Network Rail, Highways England and Transport for London have all agreed to join the board of Transport for the South East (TfSE).
The major transport organisations will be working alongside the sub-national transport body, which is made up of local authorities, business groups and the transport sector and created to help inform regional transport investment and strategy.
The Spinnaker, Porsmouth
This summer, TfSE aims to publish a 30-year transport strategy for the region which sets out how targeted transport investment can:
- more than double the South East's economy;
- create an additional 500,000 jobs;
- boost quality of life and access to opportunities for everyone; and
- help cut the region's carbon emissions to net-zero.
TfSE also said it would also enter into discussions with government about taking on the devolved powers and responsibilities it 'needs to deliver the strategy before a strategic transport investment plan is published next year'.
That plan will provide government and other potential funders with a prioritised and costed programme of schemes, initiatives and policies.
Cllr Keith Glazier, chair of TfSE, said: 'Bringing Transport for the South East and these key partners closer together will help ensure we're best placed to deliver investment in the South East's most important strategic transport links while also working together to improve connectivity with the wider region and the UK.'
David Stones, network planning director, Highways England, said: 'Highways England has been working closely with Transport for South East since their inception and are delighted to be invited to join their board. This reflects the strong connections we have been building over the last two years. We look forward to developing further our existing relationship as we plan for the transport needs of the future.'
Alex Williams, director of city planning at Transport for London, said: 'As the capital’s strategic transport authority, we look forward to continuing our engagement with Transport for South East - through its existing Transport Forum and now formally at its Partnership Board - to support the case for sustained funding and better public transport for everyone.'
TfSE's Shadow Partnership Board comprises elected members from the region’s local transport authorities plus representatives of Local Economic Partnerships, protected landscapes and district and borough authorities.
The independent chair of TfSE’s Transport Forum also sits on the board. The Transport Forum brings together representatives from a broad range of organisations including transport users groups, rail and bus operators, ports and airports, environmental groups and more. It provides expert input and advice to the TfSE board.
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