By Jo Field OBE

Andy Burnham’s ascent to Number 10 has prompted fresh debate across the transport sector about what his leadership could mean for the UK’s national transport policy. His time as Mayor of Greater Manchester has given him one of the most developed transport records of any recent Prime Minister, with the Bee Network widely regarded as one of the UK’s most ambitious attempts to integrate public transport outside London.

Burnham’s political career has taken him from cabinet minister to mayor of Greater Manchester, where transport has been one of his defining achievements. Through bus franchising, integrated ticketing and investment in walking, cycling and tram services, he has championed a joined-up approach that places customers rather than individual transport modes at the heart of decision-making.

Northern network

The Bee Network has become the clearest example of that vision. Bringing buses under public control has enabled Greater Manchester to coordinate routes, fares and service standards, while contactless ticketing and consistent branding have made the network simpler to use. The network’s distinctive yellow branding has also become an icon in its own right, evolving into a symbol of civic pride that reflects Greater Manchester’s identity and ambition.

The wider aim has been to create a transport system that supports economic growth, connects communities and encourages people to choose public transport over the private car.

A national approach

If Burnham aims to apply elements of Greater Manchester’s approach across the UK, the emphasis is likely to be on greater integration between modes. The Government’s Better Connected strategy already points towards more seamless journeys, and Burnham’s record suggests he would seek to build on that agenda through expanded bus franchising where appropriate, integrated ticketing and closer alignment between transport, housing and economic development.

A key theme is likely to be creating a transport network that feels more coherent and customer-focused, reducing the complexity that can discourage people from using public transport.

Devolved decision-making

One of the biggest shifts could be in where key transport decisions are made. Burnham has long argued that local leaders are better placed than Whitehall to understand local transport needs, and a Burnham government is likely to place greater emphasis on devolving powers and funding to mayoral combined authorities. This could be reinforced by a stronger regional presence from government, with the creation of a ‘Number 10 North’ expected to bring decision-making closer to the communities and economies it serves.

This could benefit regions such as the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City and South Yorkshire, while maintaining the momentum behind major projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and the TransPennine Route Upgrade. The wider ambition would be to ensure transport investment is more closely aligned with local growth priorities, housing delivery and the needs of regional economies.

However, replicating the success of Greater Manchester nationally will not be without its challenges. The Bee Network has relied on sustained political leadership, significant investment and strong local governance, but not every part of the country has those foundations. Meanwhile, pressures on the public finances mean difficult choices will need to be made.

Rural areas and smaller towns also face different transport challenges to large city regions, meaning that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed. Any national rollout would need to balance consistency with flexibility to reflect local circumstances.

What this means for you

For the transport industry, the biggest opportunity may be greater certainty. Burnham’s track record suggests a preference for long-term planning, integrated networks and transport investment that supports wider economic and social outcomes. That would provide a clearer direction for local authorities, operators and infrastructure providers alike, enabling more confident investment decisions and stronger collaboration.

Ultimately, a Burnham government is unlikely to transform Britain’s transport system overnight. But if Greater Manchester has demonstrated anything, it’s that integrated, locally led transport can deliver tangible benefits for customers and communities. If those principles are successfully scaled up, the biggest winners could be England’s city regions, where better connectivity has the potential to unlock growth, improve opportunity and reshape how people travel.

CIHT will be writing to the new Prime Minister and the Burnham Government, building on recent advocacy efforts, to ensure that transport and transport infrastructure remains a national priority and ensure the UK’s transport networks are fit for the future.

Transport and transport infrastructure is a critical enabler of economic growth, national resilience, and net zero ambitions that requires support that spans across successive governments. 

CIHT and our partners stand ready to support the next UK Government in turning strategy into delivery.

• Read why CIHT has signed an industry letter urging the incoming Prime Minister to maintain the UK’s existing infrastructure plans here.

• Jo Field OBE FCIHT is CEO of JFG Communications, CIHT Council Member and Chair of Women in Transport. For more information, click here.