A look at the transport industry in November
As the month that brought us the Budget, November was always going to be a consequential moment for the UK transport industry. And while the Budget naturally stole the show, there were plenty of important announcements in the weeks leading up to it. The Budget itself didn’t have much of the usual suspense, thanks to heavy pre-briefing and an extraordinary OBR leak, but it still delivered some big moments for the sector.
The headline was £1.3bn to extend the EV grant to 2030, alongside new charging-infrastructure funding and business-rates relief. Still, the mood music around EVs remains mixed, with a new per-mile tax arriving in 2028.
On day-to-day costs, the government kept things voter-friendly – frozen rail fares, the £3 bus-fare cap staying put, and yet another fuel-duty freeze. On the capital side, London and the South East took centre stage, with ministers confirming £900m for the Lower Thames Crossing and finally approving the DLR extension to Thamesmead.
All this sits alongside other major developments this month, including the introduction of the Railways Bill, formally establishing Great British Railways, and the new Accessible Railways roadmap, which puts accessibility at the forefront of system re-design. Beyond Westminster, East West Rail also made waves with plans for new stations and more frequent services across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor.
The Budget itself was, at its heart, a political one – designed to steady the ship rather than set a bold new course, with economic headwinds and an increasingly divided Parliamentary Labour Party making that impossible for now. The Government prioritised stability and was mildly rewarded with a calm market response. It avoided shocks and offered incremental progress for the transport sector.
For a Government whose central priority is growth, the OBR’s forecasts are damning, and little in the Budget meaningfully shifts the dial. As many acknowledge, unless growth improves sharply, ambitions for rail, roads and wider infrastructure will simply not materialise, though how the country gets there remains a deeply contentious issue.
Taken together, November showed a government trying to juggle long-term infrastructure ambitions with short-term cost-of-living pressures and political exigencies.
Below we take a look in more detail at what’s been happening in our core policy areas of transport, decarbonisation and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Follow us on X and LinkedIn or sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with our analysis of key industry topics.
If you need help with any of these policy areas, or anything else, email us at info@jfgcomms.co.uk.
Leading Transport Planning Society’s eighth Transport Planning Day Campaign
- We were delighted to once again lead the Transport Planning Society’s Transport Planning Day campaign, held in London earlier this month. Now in its eighth year, this one was our biggest yet, with over 200 attendees in-person and online to discuss ‘the integration imperative – how can we make a reality of connecting policy, places and people?’ We secured keynote speakers including Ruth Cadbury MP (Chair of the Transport Committee), Vernon Everitt, (Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester) and Andy Summers (CEO of Transport East), who delivered some insightful presentations, agreeing transport planners should focus on transport as an enabler, rather than as an end in itself, putting people and places at the heart of transport plans. Our panel session focused on the importance of diversity, equity and social mobility and co-creation to enable integration and better transport for everyone.
Supporting award-winning rail project
- This month our client, Furrer+Frey were well-deserved winners of the Best Use of Technology award at the SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards Cymru. Furrer + Frey’s innovative adjustable cantilever system is a game-changer for European infrastructure testing, and it paves the way for greener, more cost-effective rail electrification across the UK and beyond. It’s fantastic to see their commitment to sustainable rail recognised at this level. We’re incredibly proud to have supported this brilliant project’s communications, including broadcast, print and social media, filming and photography at the Global Centre Of Rail Excellence in December 2024 and a comprehensive communications strategy.
Active travel
- Nottingham has welcomed a major milestone in its active travel infrastructure with the lifting of a brand-new walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The 87-metre-long, 175-tonne bridge was lifted into position using a 75-metre crane. The bridge marks the final flagship project of Nottingham City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 following a successful bid for over £160 million in government funding aimed at improving inter-city connectivity and promoting low-carbon travel.
- Plymouth City Council is introducing seven new schemes to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, thanks to funding from the Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT has awarded the Council almost £747,000 from its Consolidated Active Travel Fund earlier this year to help in the development and construction of new walking, wheeling and cycling facilities.
- Cycling journeys in London have increased by 43% over the past six years to 1.5 million a day, according to a new report. Data published in the Transport for London (TfL) annual Travel in London report showed daily bike journeys increased from 1.05 million in 2019 and 1.33 million in 2024. The report also found only 40% of cyclists travelling on roads without cycle paths felt safe, in contrast with the 76% who said they felt safe on designated bike routes.
Public transport
- A price rise for tram fares in the West Midlands has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Members of the WMCA were asked to consider a request by Midland Metro Limited to increase the cost of travel for tram users of up to 10% beginning in the new year. A Transport for West Midlands boss said the increase would ensure the “financial sustainability” of the network.
- The Bee Network is rolling out dementia awareness training for all frontline staff as part of work by Transport for Greater Manchester to make public transport more inclusive and accessible. Hundreds of Bee Network staff members have started a programme of training with the Alzheimer’s Society in a bid to better equip frontline workers with the knowledge and confidence to support passengers living with dementia.
Buses
- Bus passengers in Hull will soon be using electric buses as a fleet of 21 are set to arrive in the city later this year. Hull City Council has provided funding for new charging points and infrastructure at East Yorkshire Buses on Anlaby Road.
- A subsidy to secure the future of a regional bus network and stop services being cut has been given the green light. Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority board have agreed to extend the Bus Network Support Grant when the current deal comes to an end in December. The new deal, which gives financial support to operators, will last for a further 15 months.
Rail
- A long-lost direct rail route between Swindon and Birmingham could soon be on track for a return. The proposed service, which last ran in the early 2000s, could be reinstated through the Midlands Rail Hub project – a £1.75 billion investment aimed at improving rail connections across the Midlands, South West, and South Wales. The proposed route would run via Stroud and Stonehouse, creating more than two million additional seats per year between Swindon and Birmingham.
- ScotRail has issued a contract notice for the launch of a new suburban train fleet. Potential suppliers are being invited to tender for this opportunity which will see the trains enter service in the early 2030s. Within the next 15 years, two thirds of ScotRail’s trains will need to be replaced and today’s announcement is another significant step towards that.
- A new “simpler” system for buying on-the-day train tickets is being introduced in Greater Manchester. Transport bosses said the “confusing range” of ticket options currently available will be removed and passengers will be offered two simple options depending on the time of day. Single journeys will also always be half the price of return trips, reducing costs overall, Transport for Greater Manchester said.
- The number of people who qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC) is being extended, and the application process has been simplified, as part of a drive to make Britain’s rail network more accessible and customer-focused. Holders of a DPRC and one accompanying adult benefit from a one-third reduction in the cost of train tickets. The eligibility is now being extended to include both visible and non-visible disabilities.
- Network Rail has successfully delivered the UK’s first low-carbon track renewal, combining green steel rail, low-carbon concrete, recycled ballast and renewable biofueled trains to cut emissions without compromising performance. Led by the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) – Network Rail’s integrated delivery team in the south of England – the project saw VolkerRail, the SRE’s Track business partner, renew 1,150 yards of plain line track between Honor Oak Park and Forest Hill.
- Millions of commuters across the country will benefit from a freeze on rail fares for the first time in 30 years, the Chancellor and Transport Secretary have announced in the budget, helping with the cost of living and supporting economic growth.
E-mobility
E-vehicles
- New cutting-edge technology, backed by £10 million of government funding, will allow electric vehicle charging devices to operate without large grid connections or even off-grid. Support will help overcome grid constraint challenges and enable more chargers to be rolled out on the strategic road network (England’s motorways and major A-roads), including in more rural areas across the country, giving drivers the confidence they need to make long distance journeys in EVs. Private operators have been invited to apply for a share of the funding which will be used to develop innovative energy sources and technologies enabling existing energy supplies to go further.
- Amazon is launching its largest-ever electric vehicle expansion in the UK, deploying a major new fleet of electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) and hundreds of electric delivery vans as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy. The online retailer has begun rolling out the first batch of electric trucks that will bring its UK eHGV fleet to 160 vehicles. Alongside the new trucks, Amazon is introducing over 800 new electric vans to its delivery fleet this winter.
- EVs are to be subject to the London Congestion Charge, it has been announced. In changes to be introduced from 2 January, which have been confirmed following a consultation, the existing 100% discount for EVs, due to end on 25 December, will be replaced with a 25% discount for electric cars, and a 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles. In addition, the headline daily charge level will rise from £15 to £18.
Roads
- Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is establishing a Design Excellence Panel to ensure all future transport infrastructure projects meet the highest standards of design, accessibility and sustainability. The panel will act as an independent advisory body, providing expert guidance to project teams throughout the development lifecycle of schemes across the region’s rail, bus, tram and active travel networks. Operating initially under a three-year programme, the panel will support delivery of TfWM’s Local Transport Plan and its six Big Moves strategy, ensuring all schemes are not only functional but also inclusive and relevant to their surroundings.
- Following a public consultation, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that its School Streets initiative will be introduced at six sites across the county. The move is intended to ease congestion, create safer spaces for pupils and families, and encourage active travel such as walking, cycling, and scooting.
- Temporary 20mph limits are to be put in place on trunk roads across south west Scotland over the coming weeks. Transport Scotland said the move was aimed at improving road safety and encouraging active travel. The limits will be in place for up to 18 months and their impact will be monitored before a decision is made on whether to make them permanent.
Aviation
- Flight disruption for UK passengers has reached record levels, with three out of four travellers experiencing a delay or cancellation this year, according to a survey by transportation provider, CMAC Group. The independent survey of 1,100 UK travellers, conducted in September 2025, found disruption up 40% since 2023, marking one of the steepest increases in years. Technical failures (46%), industrial action (38%) and severe weather (36%) have overtaken post-pandemic staff shortages as the leading causes of disruption.
- The number of domestic UK flights has more than halved over the past 20 years, even as global air travel continues to grow. A total of 213,025 UK flights were scheduled in 2025, compared to a peak in 2006 of 454,375 flights, research by aviation analytics firm Cirium, has found. In other words, a fall of more than 240,000 flights, or an average daily reduction of 661 flights across the UK.
- Heathrow Airport’s plan for a third runway, which involves moving the M25 motorway, has been chosen by the government. Two plans had been under consideration – one from the airport itself, and another from Arora Group. Heathrow had proposed a new runway which would be up to 3.5km (2.2 miles) long and require a new road tunnel under the airport. The rival bid from Arora Group would have involved a shorter runway at a lower cost, and did not require altering the M25. The Department for Transport said Heathrow’s own proposal offered the most deliverable option, and the “greatest likelihood” of getting a decision on planning approval within this parliament.
Accessibility
- A disability charity said a lack of accessible taxis in North Yorkshire had left residents feeling isolated and unable to get to medical appointments. According to Disability Action Yorkshire, 144 more saloon taxis had become available in the county since 2023, but none of them are wheelchair friendly.
Transport safety
- Assaults aboard British trains have risen to their highest level in a decade, a new report has revealed. An Office of Rail and Road report uncovered that the total number of assaults jumped from 3,211 in 2014/15 to 10,231 in the last year. Meanwhile, British Transport Police figures reveal how crimes on the railway network have risen by 5.4 per cent in 2024/25. The data also showed the number of crimes solved by the force had dipped to just 11.9 per cent.
- Strengthening guidance to help make walking, wheeling and cycling routes safer for women and girls in Wales is one of the features in a consultation which began this month. The Active Travel Act Guidance is being revised to further improve the quality of walking, wheeling and cycling schemes across Wales. The aim is that they are accessible and designed to be suitable for all to use. The updated guidance considers safety, comfort, and visibility for women and girls in public spaces, including lighting, toilets & changing facilities, seating and surveillance.
Air quality
- More expensive cars emit lower levels of pollution – meaning that motorists owning cheaper, higher-emitting vehicles contribute disproportionately to their local urban air quality problems, a new study reveals. Research by University of Birmingham scientists highlights a previously overlooked inequality – that lower-income individuals are more likely to own cheaper, higher-emitting vehicles and, therefore, contribute disproportionately to their local urban air pollution. The analysis suggests that spending an additional £10,000 on a diesel vehicle is associated with a more than 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions per litre of diesel.
