Regional and local transport

The Department works in partnership with both regional and local stakeholders towards the same shared priority of:

'Improving access to jobs and services, particularly for those most in need, in ways that are sustainable: improved public transport - reduced problems of congestion and reduced problems of congestion, pollution and safety.'

At a regional level, the Department encourages the close integration between regional transport, housing, economic development strategies and spending decisions. We do this to ensure that transport can best support the delivery of wider Government objectives on the economy, the environment and social inclusiveness, and we work with partners to ensure that strategies are well evidenced and supported in their delivery.

At a local level, the Department encourages modernisation of local transport as part of our strategy for a sustainable and integrated transport system, improving accessibility and reducing congestion. We oversee local transport planning and expenditure, helping local authorities and transport operators improve local roads, bus, taxi and light rail services, and walking and cycling facilities.

Regional strategy

Local transport plan - process and initiatives

Information regarding the production of local transport plans and annual reviews; includes examples of good practice, technical guidance, accessibility planning, major schemes, performance indicators and details of all annual capital settlements to date.

Buses

Best practice and policy guidance for bus and coach operators; including licensing and registration, concession fares, tackling anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, and explanations of the various grants available to operators.

Local and light rail

Information of relevance for local authorities with regard to local rail schemes, including London Underground.

Taxis

Licensing policies and regulations for taxis and private hire services, including accessibility issues.

Policy and research

Key strategy documents and research articles, including 'Transport 2010: meeting the local transport challenge'.

Transport Innovation Fund

'The Future of Transport' (July 2004) set out our intention to establish a Transport Innovation Fund to give our delivery partners incentives to develop and deploy smarter, innovative, local and regional transport strategies.