Going forward into the new normal - public transport & wider community aspects

So - what do members of TravelWatch SouthWest consider important as we move forward? I'm 'advertising' tomorrow's Zoom session - the concluding 8th - at http://www.passenger.chat/23709 - draft conclusions , from Where Chris Irwin will lead discussions, are as follows:

In going forward:

We must address the real threat that travel related pollution may go back to being generated at and beyond previous levels, unless we get a shift onto public transport and sustainable modes.

We cannot force people on to public transport, instead it must be mode of choice

To be a mode of choice, public transport/active travel must be comprehensive

Active travel must be designed in with public transport to create a whole journey

We must work collaboratively to deliver a journey

We must embrace community consultation to be inclusive understand the barriers desirable journeys

The process must be led proactively and with clear objectives

We must recognise the dynamism and complexity of public transport networks by a continuing collaborative approach

A NEW NORMAL: Some of the conclusions that emerged:

•   Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions. Lockdown showed what changed behaviour can do. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) — a pollutant mainly emitted by road transport and one that is harmful to human respiratory systems — decreased dramatically.

•   Vulnerable and marginalised groups have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, reflecting the disparities in people’s social and economic opportunities. A comprehensive public transport network can help secure access to jobs, leisure, and services and greater health equality.

•   Initiatives have been implemented over a few weeks that, in more normal times, might take years to achieve. It has reinforced the determination of those who believe, ‘Yes we can’, in their pursuit of doing things better.

•   The Government says that it plans “to make a ‘once in a generation’ change to the way people travel” and to “massively promote public transport”. It has already announced transformational plans to reallocate road space in favour of walking, cycling and buses in England. Many people welcome this, but stakeholders need consulting on the practical implementation.

•   People need to be able to make ‘joined-up journeys’. Operators need to collaborate, delivering the benefit of the public transport network as a whole. Passengers need easy and consistent access to information about journey options, real-time information, and access to multi-modal ticketing.

•   The aim of public transport advocates should not be to outlaw private vehicle travel but to make the case for a clearer understanding of the true costs and benefits of each mode and for ensuring that public transport is made sufficiently attractive for it to become the mode of choice.

•   An effective transport network is a well-functioning system of systems, drawing on the strengths of different modes and facilitated by the provision of strategically placed ‘link and rides’.

•   Community Rail has had remarkable success in bringing a new vitality and relevance to parts of the rail network: other parts of the public transport network would benefit from its expertise in, and enthusiasm for, community engagement.

•   Operators need to reappraise how best to address the fast-developing needs of travellers, reflecting the changing social and economic needs and behaviours that have been accelerated by the pandemic.

Thanks to Bryony for that text