The government has formed a new taskforce to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more efficiently in the UK.

Comprising experts across planning, the transport sector and the construction industry, the taskforce will investigate ways of speeding up the building and consenting of mass transit systems as well as methods of better connecting trams, buses and railways.

Working independently, and led by chair Bridget Rosewell, the Mass Transit Taskforce said it will draw on best practice from across the world to identify hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK and how to overcome them.

Other members of the taskforce will include:

The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

This news comes as government is to consult on new devolved powers to help mayors introduce mass transit systems. These powers will allow mayors to have the final say over decisions related to public transport.

Known as Transport and Works Act orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will aim to give mayoral leaders more tools to deliver local transport. Mass transit systems encompass networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities.

Their use has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands, connecting people with jobs, homes and public services.

Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land can cause problems with delivering these systems. The taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, before making targeted recommendations to government.

In the Spending Review 2025, the government committed £15.6bn to Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements, more than doubling investment in local transport across England’s largest city regions.

The Bus Services Act, which became law in October 2025, also marked a new era for bus travel by making it easier for local authorities to take control of routes, protecting passengers from sudden cuts and lifting the ban on councils running their own bus companies.

The government’s Better Connected strategy, launched in April of this year, will attempt to go even further, setting out more than 40 commitments to make journeys “simpler and more affordable”.

Among its measures, local leaders are being given new tools to introduce tap-and-go contactless travel across buses, trams and trains, replicating the joined-up systems already in place in cities like Liverpool, London and Nottingham.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said mass transit has the potential to “transform towns and cities across the country”.

“Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing,” she said.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.”

She added: “Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best. The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in six months.”

Rosewell said: “Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

“I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality.

“Today’s announcement builds on a package of measures the government has taken to give local leaders greater control over transport in their areas.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, said: “We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.

“But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change.

“Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I am pushing on with our project to take the North East’s Metro system to Washington, where residents have been campaigning to be part of the network since it opened in 1980.

“That shows how much people value world-class mass transit and I’m proud to be building Metro’s first new extension for 30 years as North East Mayor. Our iconic Metro system was the UK’s first modern mass transit system when it opened in 1980 and has since carried more than 1.7bn people.”

Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said: “Mass transit is a crucial layer of the West of England’s transport system for the future. This is on top of the better buses, more trains and stations, and safer roads and active travel that we’re working to deliver.

“Just weeks ago, the historic Devolution Act empowered mayors with more levers to make things happen for our areas. Today, it’s brilliant to see even more powers being moved out of Westminster and into the West of England so that we can do more, faster.”

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Liverpool was the birthplace of the world’s first intercity passenger railway, so we know better than most how transformative great transport can be – not just for how people get around, but for jobs, investment and opportunity too.

“That’s why I’ve pledged to get a rapid transit system up and running in the Liverpool City Region before Euro 2028, starting with bus rapid transit to better connect our communities and make it quicker and easier for people to get to work, education and the opportunities they deserve.”

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