Lords inquiry seeks views on future transport use

The chairwoman of a House of Lords inquiry focused on “finding out how public transport will be used in the future” has called on the public to submit views.

“People are changing the ways in which they travel - for work, school and leisure - partly driven by digital change,” said Baroness Neville-Rolfe, who chairs the Built Environment Committee.

“On top of this, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on how people use public transport in towns and cities, although it is not clear how much of this change will be permanent.”

She said the inquiry will make recommendations on how government policies “can be shaped in light of new innovations”, adding: “To inform our work we want to hear from as broad a range of people as possible. If you have a view on public transport, respond to our call for evidence and let us know what you think.”

Areas under consideration include:

• What effect digitalisation and the Coronavirus pandemic could have on travel in the long term.
• What can be done to improve cross-mode connectivity.
• How better integration can be delivered outside London.
• Whether local authorities are well-equipped with the powers and funding to deliver high-quality public transport.
• Whether better policy co-ordination could improve outcomes.

Appointed in 2021, the cross-party committee’s remit is to consider housing, planning, transport and infrastructure.

The deadline for written submissions is March 11. Information on the call for evidence is at https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/714/