Transport

Some of the most dramatic effects of the Covid-19 outbreak and the response measures it demands have been on modes of transport. Airlines have been grounded, discretionary domestic travel is discouraged and the use of public transport is advised against.[1] Instead, the Government has promoted cycling and walking as a form of safe, socially distanced travel. With the consequences of the virus expected to persist for a ‘long period of time’[2] transport policy is shifting to keep people moving.

Following the Cabinet and ministerial reshuffle and the election of Select Committee chairs and their members, Brevia Consulting has compiled a list of the key political stakeholders in relation to transport policy.

This week, the Government stepped in to save the regional airline, Flybe, from collapse. Having won a majority by gaining votes in nearly every region of the UK, the intervention symbolises Boris Johnson’s stated desire to ‘level up’ the country.

Last week, the Department for Transport launched a call for evidence on how to better use and implement light rail and other rapid transit solutions in cities and towns.

The concept of establishing free ports in the UK has some merit, but only in a ‘hard Brexit’ scenario.