CIHT will be responding to the recently opened call for evidence made by the Mass Transit Taskforce.

The Mass Transit Taskforce call for evidence is seeking views on tackling the barriers to the quick and efficient delivery of mass transit systems across the UK.

The Taskforce has outlined the scope of its call for evidence into mass transit as including light rail, very light rail, tram, tram-train, metro-style systems, and bus rapid transit.

We would like to hear from CIHT members and key transport stakeholders to ensure we are representing your views in our response.

The call for evidence is structured to gather evidence on each of the following themes: 

• Understanding the benefits of mass transit 
• Governance and accountability 
• Skills, capabilities and capacity 
• Policy development, strategic fit and options assessment 
• Business case development, appraisal and approval 
• Public and stakeholder consultation and engagement 
• Funding, finance and sustainability 
• Consenting procedures and securing legal powers 
• Procurement 
• Construction and commissioning 
• Testing, trials and training prior to public opening 
• Project handover and entering operation. 

A full list of questions which the call for evidence is seeking answers to can be found here.

Please submit your views by cob 12 August by following the link below or emailing them to technical@ciht.org.uk.

Share your views here.

Background

The Mass Transit Taskforce was launched by the UK Department for Transport in May 2026 to tackle barriers to quick and efficient delivery of mass transit systems across the UK, supporting economic growth, jobs and new homes.

The work of the Taskforce is supported by an expert panel with the Urban Transport Group - the UK’s network of transport authorities - will providing the secretariat function.

The Taskforce will produce clear recommendations, on how the benefits of mass transit can be realised for more people and places and how mass transit projects can be delivered with greater speed and efficiency while maintaining excellent standards for safety, accessibility and passenger experience.

The Taskforce has the following objectives:

• An assessment of the wider economic, spatial and social benefits of integrated mass transit systems with a focus on mass transit’s role in supporting economic growth, new jobs and housing.
• Identification of the barriers that impede the development and efficient delivery of mass transit systems.
• Targeted recommendations to central and local government for practical reforms to project planning and approvals, financing and delivery models to speed up delivery and efficiency.