The government has launched a Mass Transit Taskforce as part of efforts to address the challenges preventing the rollout of mass transit systems across the UK.

The taskforce – which will include experts from industries including the transport, industry, finance and academia sectors – will seek to provide recommendations as to how these systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North-east and the West Midlands. These systems connect people with jobs, homes, public services and opportunities, while cutting congestion and carbon emissions.

Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently. Other members of the taskforce will include:

• David Milner, managing director of Create Streets
• Richard de Cani, chief officer for global business and markets at Arup
• Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group

The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems. The taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to government.

To go alongside this, the government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.

Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

“Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.”

The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in six months.

Further details on the taskforce, including its full membership and immediate next steps, will be announced in due course.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is exploring options for a new mass transit network, like trams, which aren't currently being used in the region.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.

“But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.”

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, added: “I am pushing on with our project to take the North East’s Metro system to Washington, where residents have been campaigning to be part of the network since it opened in 1980.

“That shows how much people value world-class mass transit and I’m proud to be building Metro’s first new extension for 30 years as North East Mayor. Our iconic Metro system was the UK’s first modern mass transit system when it opened in 1980 and has since carried more than 1.7 billion people.

“It is a lifeline for so many people, with over 30 million journeys every year taking people to jobs, education and other opportunities. The government’s taskforce will help support my ambition to take Metro to new places as the heart of the Angel Network, a world-class integrated transport network where buses and mass transit can best meet the needs of local people.”

Tracy Brabin will be keynote speaker at the Delivering Infrastructure 2050 Conference, organised by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), taking place on 30 June 2026 in London.

It will see the UK’s consultancy and engineering sector come together to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing infrastructure challenges, from delivering resilience and restoring nature to improving productivity and building a workforce of tomorrow.

To book your place, click here