The Future of Transport. Could devolution be a game changer?

According to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (2024), the aim of devolution is to ensure that “decisions are made closer to the people they affect”  and transport is a key focus area for this strategy.

Centralised vs Decentralised power

Devolution shifts transport decision-making from a national level to a more local level. This gives local authorities more power in decision-making relating to transport planning and implementation. This could mean the needs of local people are met with better local spending on transport where it matters most.  The English Devolution White Paper (2024) suggests bringing stronger powers to mayors with integrated funding opportunities to deliver better transport services. Greater transport planning focusing on a smaller-scale transport network rather than a top-down government approach may make changes which serve a greater number of local people.

Increased Local Power

Local authorities will gain greater flexibility in the management of transport budgets and in making decisions about funding services like concessionary travel and bus operations, according to the English Devolution White Paper (2024). Your local authority may choose to move funding for transport services and prioritise discounted travel where it is needed the most through identifying cost efficiencies (Carrington West, 2025).

Better Coordination

A devolution approach can lead to better coordinated transport across different travel modes within local regions. Improvements to local transport services have already been seen through devolution deals (UTG Report, 2025). There is an opportunity for a more integrated method of transport, where train, bus, micro mobility, and active travel services can become more efficient for local people’s use.

Accountability and Local Needs

Local Decision-makers can be held more accountable to their constituents, leading to greater local involvement. This in turn could provide opportunities for local users of the transport network to have greater input in decision-making (UTG Report, 2025).

Modal Shift and Sustainability

WSP prepared a report in 2023 highlighting the research already done on the interventions to shift people out of private car use. It discusses the opportunities that arise from a devolved authority and how they are better positioned to encourage shifts away from car use through regional policies on clean air zones, low-emission buses, and urban design. Local control allows experimentation with fare caps, ticketing innovations, and service improvements that can increase ridership.

Devolution In Practice

Since the initial devolution agreement in November 2015, the Liverpool City Region has secured significant investments and implemented various initiatives:
Train Travel: A £500 million investment in a new fleet of publicly owned trains on the Merseyrail network, along with the construction of new stations and a 600km cycling and walking network.

Bus Travel: In October 2023, the region took the landmark decision to bring the bus network back into public control after nearly 40 years of a deregulated system. The residents of the Liverpool City Region have begun to see an improved bus system with a more reliable service.

Active Travel: There are additional plans for a 600km cycling and walking network to be established across the region, making Active Travel for commuting more efficient as a transport method.

The region has greater cooperation between the six local councils, making collaborative transport much more efficient.

The Manchester City Centre Transport Strategy for 2040, developed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to transform how people travel into and around Manchester’s city centre. The strategy is designed to support the region’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.

Modal Shift: The strategy sets an ambitious target for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made on foot, by cycle, or using public transport by 2040.

Reduced Car Usage: A significant reduction in car use is planned, particularly for short journeys under 2 km. This includes discouraging petrol-driven vehicles and removing car parks to promote cleaner alternatives.

Enhanced Public Transport: Improvements to bus, tram, and rail services are central to the strategy, aiming for better integration and efficiency across modes.

West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin has committed to introducing capped fares and improving bus reliability to tackle transport poverty and achieve environmental goals (West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 2025).

Devolution presents a valuable opportunity to improve public transport, making it more attractive to users, better aligned with local needs, and more integrated for smoother, more efficient journeys.

If you have questions about how your local devolution plans might affect transport in your area, please contact your local authority.