In this episode, Simon Lightwood MP, the Minister for Roads and Buses, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, the Minister focused on the bus: highlighting the importance of buses during his childhood, outlining how the new Bus Services Act will impact services in England, and explaining the role of the bus in driving UK economic growth. The pair also spoke about the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy, transport devolution, accessibility in transport, and micromobility.  

In this episode, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. In the wide-ranging discussion, the Mayor spoke about his experience of growing up in the region and his use of public transport; the importance of active travel schemes in York, Harrogate and other towns and rural areas: the role of rail; and how York and North Yorkshire is leading the way in many industries, including the manufacturing of zero emission buses.

In this episode, Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, was interviewed by Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group.

During the conversation, the Mayor outlined how the East Midlands region is geographically unique compared to other city regions in UTG membership, and the need to therefore 'think differently' on transport. The pair also discussed the approach to improving bus services in the East Midlands, why rail devolution is so important to the region, and the Mayor's focus on collaboration with communities on transport issues.

In this episode, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, was in conversation with the freelance journalist Laura Laker. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke about his background and route into politics; his own experience of using public transport in the West Midlands; his plans for buses and trams in the region, and his 'duty' to tackle road safety. Urban Transport Next is supported by AtkinsRéalis.

In this episode, Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, was in conversation with Julie Elliott, the former MP for Sunderland Central. In the wide-ranging discussion, the Mayor spoke about her experiences of using public transport growing up in the North East; her plans for franchising bus services and extending the Tyne and Wear Metro; improving safety for women and girls on the transport network; and how transport is an enabler - providing access to opportunities for all.

In this episode, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, was in conversation with Simone Roche MBE, founder of the We Are Power, Northern Power Women Awards, and PoWEr Up Collective CIC. During the discussion, the Mayor talked about the importance of the bus and the region's decision to franchise services; the pride he feels towards the new Merseyrail train fleet; making women and girls feel safer on transport networks; and the progress made on active travel in Liverpool City Region.

In this episode, Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, was in conversation with Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke about the potential opportunities that franchised bus services could bring, the challenges of meeting net zero targets and boosting active travel, and the rationale for bringing South Yorkshire’s tram network under public control.

In this episode, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, was in conversation with Juergen Maier, Vice-Chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke about how devolution has given her the powers and funding to make change in the region, plans for mass transit in West Yorkshire, and the social importance of good bus networks.

In this special episode, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was in conversation with the journalist Laura Laker. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke about his vision for integrated transport through the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s trailblazer devolution deal, air quality, and what he hopes to see from a future government. He also revealed his playlist for a long train journey and shared his desire for Liam Gallagher to lend his voice to ‘next stop’ announcements on transport in the city.

In this episode, our panel talked about how to increase diversity and inclusion in active travel and what barriers need to be broken down to do so. The conversation touched upon the inadequacy of data on different journeys made by different people, how the transport sector can do more to capture the diversity of perspectives, and the lack of long-term funding certainty. Our guests were Adam Tranter, West Midlands' Cycling & Walking Commissioner, Aneela McKenna, Founder of the Mòr Diversity EDI Consultancy, and Rachel Aldred, Professor of Transport and Director of Westminster University’s Active Travel Academy.  They were interviewed by Rebecca Fuller, Assistant Director of the Urban Transport Group.