Tag: sustainability

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The Future of Transport. Could devolution be a game changer?

According to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (2024), the aim of devolution is to ensure that “decisions are made closer to the people they affect”  and transport is a key focus area for this strategy.

Centralised vs Decentralised power

Devolution shifts transport decision-making from a national level to a more local level. This gives local authorities more power in decision-making relating to transport planning and implementation. This could mean the needs of local people are met with better local spending on transport where it matters most.  The English Devolution White Paper (2024) suggests bringing stronger powers to mayors with integrated funding opportunities to deliver better transport services. Greater transport planning focusing on a smaller-scale transport network rather than a top-down government approach may make changes which serve a greater number of local people.

Increased Local Power

Local authorities will gain greater flexibility in the management of transport budgets and in making decisions about funding services like concessionary travel and bus operations, according to the English Devolution White Paper (2024). Your local authority may choose to move funding for transport services and prioritise discounted travel where it is needed the most through identifying cost efficiencies (Carrington West, 2025).

Better Coordination

A devolution approach can lead to better coordinated transport across different travel modes within local regions. Improvements to local transport services have already been seen through devolution deals (UTG Report, 2025). There is an opportunity for a more integrated method of transport, where train, bus, micro mobility, and active travel services can become more efficient for local people’s use.

Accountability and Local Needs

Local Decision-makers can be held more accountable to their constituents, leading to greater local involvement. This in turn could provide opportunities for local users of the transport network to have greater input in decision-making (UTG Report, 2025).

Modal Shift and Sustainability

WSP prepared a report in 2023 highlighting the research already done on the interventions to shift people out of private car use. It discusses the opportunities that arise from a devolved authority and how they are better positioned to encourage shifts away from car use through regional policies on clean air zones, low-emission buses, and urban design. Local control allows experimentation with fare caps, ticketing innovations, and service improvements that can increase ridership.

Devolution In Practice

Since the initial devolution agreement in November 2015, the Liverpool City Region has secured significant investments and implemented various initiatives:
Train Travel: A £500 million investment in a new fleet of publicly owned trains on the Merseyrail network, along with the construction of new stations and a 600km cycling and walking network.

Bus Travel: In October 2023, the region took the landmark decision to bring the bus network back into public control after nearly 40 years of a deregulated system. The residents of the Liverpool City Region have begun to see an improved bus system with a more reliable service.

Active Travel: There are additional plans for a 600km cycling and walking network to be established across the region, making Active Travel for commuting more efficient as a transport method.

The region has greater cooperation between the six local councils, making collaborative transport much more efficient.

The Manchester City Centre Transport Strategy for 2040, developed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to transform how people travel into and around Manchester’s city centre. The strategy is designed to support the region’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.

Modal Shift: The strategy sets an ambitious target for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made on foot, by cycle, or using public transport by 2040.

Reduced Car Usage: A significant reduction in car use is planned, particularly for short journeys under 2 km. This includes discouraging petrol-driven vehicles and removing car parks to promote cleaner alternatives.

Enhanced Public Transport: Improvements to bus, tram, and rail services are central to the strategy, aiming for better integration and efficiency across modes.

West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin has committed to introducing capped fares and improving bus reliability to tackle transport poverty and achieve environmental goals (West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 2025).

Devolution presents a valuable opportunity to improve public transport, making it more attractive to users, better aligned with local needs, and more integrated for smoother, more efficient journeys.

If you have questions about how your local devolution plans might affect transport in your area, please contact your local authority.

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The Future of Transport. Could devolution be a game changer?

According to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (2024), the aim of devolution is to ensure that “decisions are made closer to the people they affect”  and transport is a key focus area for this strategy.

Centralised vs Decentralised power

Devolution shifts transport decision-making from a national level to a more local level. This gives local authorities more power in decision-making relating to transport planning and implementation. This could mean the needs of local people are met with better local spending on transport where it matters most.  The English Devolution White Paper (2024) suggests bringing stronger powers to mayors with integrated funding opportunities to deliver better transport services. Greater transport planning focusing on a smaller-scale transport network rather than a top-down government approach may make changes which serve a greater number of local people.

Increased Local Power

Local authorities will gain greater flexibility in the management of transport budgets and in making decisions about funding services like concessionary travel and bus operations, according to the English Devolution White Paper (2024). Your local authority may choose to move funding for transport services and prioritise discounted travel where it is needed the most through identifying cost efficiencies (Carrington West, 2025).

Better Coordination

A devolution approach can lead to better coordinated transport across different travel modes within local regions. Improvements to local transport services have already been seen through devolution deals (UTG Report, 2025). There is an opportunity for a more integrated method of transport, where train, bus, micro mobility, and active travel services can become more efficient for local people’s use.

Accountability and Local Needs

Local Decision-makers can be held more accountable to their constituents, leading to greater local involvement. This in turn could provide opportunities for local users of the transport network to have greater input in decision-making (UTG Report, 2025).

Modal Shift and Sustainability

WSP prepared a report in 2023 highlighting the research already done on the interventions to shift people out of private car use. It discusses the opportunities that arise from a devolved authority and how they are better positioned to encourage shifts away from car use through regional policies on clean air zones, low-emission buses, and urban design. Local control allows experimentation with fare caps, ticketing innovations, and service improvements that can increase ridership.

Devolution In Practice

Since the initial devolution agreement in November 2015, the Liverpool City Region has secured significant investments and implemented various initiatives:
Train Travel: A £500 million investment in a new fleet of publicly owned trains on the Merseyrail network, along with the construction of new stations and a 600km cycling and walking network.

Bus Travel: In October 2023, the region took the landmark decision to bring the bus network back into public control after nearly 40 years of a deregulated system. The residents of the Liverpool City Region have begun to see an improved bus system with a more reliable service.

Active Travel: There are additional plans for a 600km cycling and walking network to be established across the region, making Active Travel for commuting more efficient as a transport method.

The region has greater cooperation between the six local councils, making collaborative transport much more efficient.

The Manchester City Centre Transport Strategy for 2040, developed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to transform how people travel into and around Manchester’s city centre. The strategy is designed to support the region’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.

Modal Shift: The strategy sets an ambitious target for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made on foot, by cycle, or using public transport by 2040.

Reduced Car Usage: A significant reduction in car use is planned, particularly for short journeys under 2 km. This includes discouraging petrol-driven vehicles and removing car parks to promote cleaner alternatives.

Enhanced Public Transport: Improvements to bus, tram, and rail services are central to the strategy, aiming for better integration and efficiency across modes.

West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin has committed to introducing capped fares and improving bus reliability to tackle transport poverty and achieve environmental goals (West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 2025).

Devolution presents a valuable opportunity to improve public transport, making it more attractive to users, better aligned with local needs, and more integrated for smoother, more efficient journeys.

If you have questions about how your local devolution plans might affect transport in your area, please contact your local authority.

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Less Stress, More Savings: The Electric Bus Revolution

People on a bus | Boyton Place

Traveling by public transport can be a far less stressful experience than driving yourself. Reducing stress is crucial, as stress can lead to various health complications, including headaches, fluctuating blood pressure, disrupted sleep patterns, and even a weakened immune system, making you more vulnerable to getting sick. Opting for buses instead of personal vehicles could reduce your overall stress.

Switching to public transport can also save you thousands of pounds each year. Modern electric buses offer a more comfortable ride and are cheaper to use than maintaining a personal vehicle. Insurance, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance contribute to an expensive commitment and often create financial stress.  Did you know that until December 31st, 2024, bus fares for major bus routes are capped at just £2, and, with the recent announcement from the budget, £3 until the end of 2025? This makes it an even more affordable option for your daily commute.

Increased bus usage also contributes to cleaner air, particularly in our cities. By reducing reliance on single occupancy vehicles, we can significantly reduce transport emissions and the number of harmful particulates entering the atmosphere. Air pollution poses serious health risks, including a higher likelihood of stroke, dementia, cancer, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

What’s Being Done to Boost Bus Use in the UK?

The benefits of public transport are clear, and the UK government is taking steps to encourage more people to use buses. One major initiative is the electrification of the bus network, which will upgrade the network and deliver more comfort.

Electrifying the Network

You might be surprised to learn that the bus you regularly ride could already be electric! Electric buses are becoming increasingly common, especially in the UK’s largest urban areas Such as London. On October 8th 2024, the government announced a £500 million investment to expand the electric bus fleet, with plans to roll out an additional 1,200 zero-emission buses over the next three years. This initiative, called the Zero Emissions Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) program, aims to bring electric buses to cities, towns, and even some rural areas.

The Advantages of Electric Buses

Switching to electric buses offers numerous benefits:

  1. Reduced Emissions: Electric buses generate significantly lower emissions, reducing the contribution to climate change. According to the UK government, zero-emission buses must achieve at least a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel buses to be eligible for funding grants through accreditation standards.
  2. Less Noise Pollution: Research from the University of Hong Kong suggests that an electric bus network can lead to more peaceful living due to reduced noise levels. The United Nations has evidence that noise pollution has similar long-term health impacts to air pollution.
  3. Enhanced Comfort and Accessibility: The ZEBRA scheme prioritises passenger comfort, incorporating features like USB charging sockets and Wi-Fi, along with improved accessibility standards through live audio and visual updates on routes. 
  4. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in electric bus infrastructure may be high, studies show that electric buses can save up to 70% in operational costs over traditional buses due to lower energy consumption, fewer mechanical components, and reduced maintenance needs.

The Future Looks Bright

As the bus network evolves with improved technology, we can expect substantial benefits for people and the environment. The transition to electric buses will present challenges, particularly in establishing the necessary charging infrastructure. However, once these hurdles are overcome, towns, cities, and villages will enjoy economic advantages and immediate environmental benefits, including reduced air and noise pollution.

In conclusion, switching to public transport, especially electric buses, is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable future. So next time you consider how to get around, think about the many benefits of hopping on a bus!

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‘Tis the Season to be Sustainable

Christmas Tree

For many, this holiday season is a time for celebrations, good food and get togethers, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth! (pun intended)

Sustainability isn’t just about smarter travel, it’s embedded in everything we do. That’s why this month, we wanted to share some top tips for reducing your carbon footprint and making seasonal savings!

Gifts

Before heading out to do your seasonal shopping, why not ask people if there is anything they need? This way, they will be sure to make the most of your gift, helping to reduce waste.

Wrapping presents brings us joy, but it’s important to be mindful of the materials we are using. Some paper wrapping paper has a plastic lining for strength, but that means it cannot be recycled, so always check before you buy. Avoid glitter, this is made of plastic too. Do the scrunch test: if it bounces back, it’s not recyclable.

Sellotape, the UKs most popular UK brand for tape, is made of polypropylene (PP – Plastic number 5) and cannot be recycled, making any wrapping paper it is attached to non-recyclable, unless you spend your morning separating it (a messy, time consuming job). Instead, why not try paper-based alternatives, such as solvent-free glue, made from natural ingredients, or why not try wrapping with fabric that can be reused! Watch this simple fabric wrapping tutorial.

Plastic ribbons and bows might be beautiful, but landfill isn’t. Why not try paper alternatives or better yet, try twine that can be reused year after year.

Crackers

40 million dad jokes are thrown away every year! Look out for plastic-free crackers, available in most UK supermarkets, or better yet, try fabric crackers that can be reused and refilled with your own small gifts and inside jokes.

Food

The holiday season tends to be a time for indulgence, but it’s important not to waste food and only buy what you need. There is more than enough food to feed the world, but 783 million people still go hungry, so think before you buy – will you use it? Do you need it? Here are some tips to make tasty dishes with your leftovers.

Travel

If you’re travelling home to get together with your loved ones over the holidays, could you cut your costs and carbon by car sharing?

Daily exercise is important for overall health and wellbeing, so why not try getting out for a winter walk. The Ramblers organise walks all year round, check out their website to find your local group.

From all of us at Smarter Travel, we’d like to wish you a sustainable holiday season!