Ahead of the upcoming General Election set to take place on 4 July, ITS UK has released its Manifesto for the Future of Transport.

Setting out ten recommendations for whoever is in power after the General Election, the Manifesto focuses on four key areas where technology can help transform the transport network – connectivity and autonomy, integration, sustainability and society and industry growth.

The Manifesto sets out how the next Government can spearhead a technology revolution in transport, whether in data and AI, connected and automated mobility, MaaS, smart ticketing, demand responsive transport, traffic technology and more.

The document will be used to influence the next Government, acting as our key policy briefing for new MPs and policymakers post-July.

Thank you to all the ITS UK Members who supported the development of the report and inputted their thoughts and expertise.

ITS UK’s Statement

“Technology is becoming more and more important in nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives, and nowhere is this truer than in transport” said Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK. “The use of data, AI and innovation can radically reshape our transport network, helping to create greener, safer, more seamless and more cost-effective journeys across different modes – as well as creating economic growth, investment and jobs around the country.

“Yet, the sector will not be able to achieve this vision alone. For whoever forms the next Government, ITS UK’s Manifesto sets outs clear recommendations on how we can utilise technology for a better transport network. Whether it’s through greater regulatory support for eScooters and Demand Responsive Transport, or working with transport authorities to implement greater data services, Mobility as a Service platforms and more effective procurement processes – the Government has a key opportunity over the coming years to make the UK a world-leader in transport technology.

He added: “ITS UK and our members stand ready to help support this work. We look forward to working with the next Government to build upon this Manifesto – and to achieve a more effective transport system for all.”

What the Manifesto says

The Manifesto sets out ten recommendations for whichever party forms the next Government. The recommendations include:

1. Connectivity and Autonomy

1. Make greater use of the significant amount of data available on the transport network to improve customer service and drive cost efficiencies, by focusing on breaking down siloes between government, at all levels, and industry.
2. Take advantage of the new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to ensure the UK is able to become a global leader in self-driving technology.

2. Integration

3. Commit to the production of a UK-wide Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Strategy, with consideration across all transport policy, which local areas will use to ensure that their MaaS implementations are interconnected, compatible and affordable.
4. Utilise industry expertise to speed up the roll out of smart ticketing, supported by a commitment to fares parity.
5. Introduce a MicroMobility Bill to create a new regulatory framework for e-scooters and other forms of micromobility.

3. Sustainability and Society

6. Deliver a roadmap to the gradual introduction of mobility pricing, that incentivises the fairer and sustainable use of the transport network.
7. Leverage technology to achieve the UK’s transport safety ambitions. This will require the maintenance and renewal of current technology, alongside the introduction of new solutions along the network.
8. Support Demand Responsive Transport by putting it on an independent regulatory footing with equivalent VAT treatment to other modes of public transport.

4. Industry Growth

9. Support a different approach to the procurement of transport technology that supports funding for operational expenditure for local authorities.
10. Prioritise a home-grown intelligent transport industry as a key export of strategic value to the UK.