Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 17 July 2023.

The new Curzon Street Station will bring high-speed rail services to help connect cities and towns across the West Midlands and beyond.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper is today (17 July 2023) visiting the West Midlands with his Australian counterpart Catherine King to see the construction of High Speed Two (HS2)’s iconic new Curzon Street Station taking shape.

In the next decade, the new station will welcome high-speed services into the heart of Birmingham city centre. This will increase the capacity of our rail network and connect cities and towns across the West Midlands and beyond – creating new job, business and educational opportunities whilst boosting growth in the regional economy.

Even now, the project is already delivering huge benefits across the Midlands and the North. The construction of Curzon Street Station alone will create over 1,000 jobs, including 100 new apprenticeships and a restart scheme to support unemployed people. Even more jobs will be supported and created as work will continue to ramp up across the region in the years to come, with the HS2 Interchange Station set to be built in Solihull.

The Secretary of State and Minister King will take an exclusive first walk on top of the grand, 300-metre-long HS2 viaduct to see first-hand the view passengers will witness when travelling into the city on HS2 trains.

The walk will mark a key construction milestone, celebrating the half-way point of the viaduct’s completion, which now has 15 of its 30 v-shaped piers in place.

The meeting will also promote a global Britain, demonstrating how the UK is leading the way on major infrastructure projects to help grow the economy, ensuring the work and learning of HS2 is extended overseas.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

The fantastic city of Birmingham is a hive of construction, with HS2 supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships, as we gear up to bring its services into the city centre over the next decade.

As Europe’s largest infrastructure project, HS2 is being recognised globally and, alongside the Australian Transport Minister today, I take great pride in seeing this once-in-a-generation opportunity come to life, which will better connect our regions and grow the economy for years to come.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

I am pleased to join Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper – and Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King – to showcase the progress underway at the Curzon Street Station site.

HS2 is already delivering tangible benefits for our region – creating jobs, drawing in investment and helping to drive up the number of cranes dotting the skyline.

So as we continue to work closely with government, I’m sure that we will go on attracting global investment – including from our friends in Australia – to seize the HS2 related opportunities to the full, support our region’s economy and advance prosperity for local people in the months and years ahead.

Once built, HS2’s Curzon Street Station will be one of the most environmentally friendly stations in the world and eventually welcome 9 high-speed services per hour into the city centre. With 7 terminal platforms, it will form part of HS2’s opening phase, with the first services expected to run from West London into the station by 2033, serving around 25,000 passengers a day.

Today’s visit comes as HS2 Ltd prepares to carry out the UK’s heaviest bridge drive to install a box structure beneath the West Coast Main Line near Lichfield. The 6,200 tonne structure, which has been built over the last 6 months, will allow the high-speed railway to pass beneath the main line. It will be slowly moved into place on the back of a transporter vehicle.

Supporting one of the government’s 5 priorities to grow the economy, the construction of HS2 will bring transformational benefits to passengers and communities for generations to come. Currently supporting over 28,500 jobs and having created more than 1,200 apprenticeships, the project will level up communities and connect Britain’s largest cities, delivering fresh education, job and business opportunities across the regions.

The line will also provide much needed capacity for passenger and freight services on our railways, offering faster and more reliable journeys right across the UK. A greener way of travelling will also be unlocked, with every trip being powered by zero carbon energy.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 15 July 2023.

Take the Bus campaign encourages older people to make the most of free bus travel.

Older and eligible disabled people are being urged to make the most of free bus travel to meet friends, connect with nature and visit new places this summer, through a new government campaign launched today (15 July 2023).

The new ‘Take the Bus’ campaign is targeting people aged 66 and above, and disabled people who are eligible for a concessionary pass, to encourage them to use the free bus travel available.

The move comes as statistics show concessionary journeys are down by more than a third since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign reminds passholders of the benefits of using bus travel, including staying active, visiting new places, taking up hobbies and seeing friends and family – while saving money on travel. The new adverts encourage pass holders to ‘Take the Bus’, with posters and social media assets made available for local authorities, bus companies and others to customise, co-brand and use in their area.

Along with the government’s £2 bus fare cap scheme, the campaign aims to get more people using the bus to help reduce congestion and emissions while supporting the bus industry and helping grow the economy.

Thanks to the free bus fare scheme, concessionary pass holders around the country can access great days out for free. People can leave the car at home and grab one of Stagecoach’s frequent ‘triangle’ routes to Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, or hop on the Coastliner 840 from Leeds to Whitby, voted England’s most scenic bus route for its incredible views across the North York Moors National Park.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

We want those eligible to embrace all the benefits their concessionary pass can bring, with free bus travel allowing them to enjoy great trips out – all they need to do is ‘take the bus’.

Around £1 billion a year of central and local government funding goes towards concessionary passes to help older and disabled people get out and about while saving them money and helping grow the economy.

Cora Woodhouse, Arriva Marketing and Customer Service Director, said:

We’re pleased to be working with the Department for Transport (DfT) to support and encourage concessionary travel across our network. We are keen to remind the communities we proudly serve every day that we are here to connect them to the places they want to get to and the people they love and for no cost with a concessionary pass.

There are many places you can use our services to visit and enjoy days out and, of course, taking the bus offers an environmental and social benefit, too. Here at Arriva, we will be extending the reach of the DfT campaign, pushing the campaign via our website, email, social channels and app. We will also be investing in a paid-for media campaign alongside local community events, firstly in Yorkshire and the East Midlands with the view to then roll it out across our full network.

David Sidebottom, Director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said:

Passengers tell us that buses are a vital lifeline to help them see family and friends, visit high streets, get to essential appointments and connect them to the places and things they love. This campaign is great news for bus pass holders and, hopefully, they will take full advantage to get out and about and travel to places old and new.

In Transport Focus’s forthcoming research, 91% of free pass holders told us they knew a fair amount about their local bus service, so now is a great time to give it a go and take the bus.

As part of the Help for Households campaign, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is promoting free and low-cost events happening across England for those looking for affordable activities over the summer. People can find out what’s happening near them using this new interactive map – from discounted cinema tickets to free museum exhibitions, accessible via the concessionary bus passes available.

Simon Pearson, Chief Commercial Officer of First Bus, said:

The bus is an ideal way for older people to get out and about and enjoy life in their local area and beyond. Bus travel adds the experience of the day, whatever you have planned. At First Bus, we’re excited to welcome more customers on board to discover where a concessionary pass can take them.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

With summer upon us, it’s a great time for concessionary pass holders to be planning a trip out with family and friends, making the most of free bus travel to explore the outstanding attractions and destinations across England and in a relaxing and environmentally friendly way.

There is always so much going on in England during the summer, whether enjoying a trip to our stunning coastline, beautiful countryside or our vibrant city attractions. I know our tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to see you.

Alongside the campaign, councils spend around £1 billion on concessionary travel, provided through government funding from the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to enable local authorities to provide free travel via local bus operators to elderly and disabled concessionary pass holders.

This is in addition to the recently announced long-term bus funding to support and improve bus services, including £200 million to continue capping single fares outside of London at £2 until 31 October 2023 and then £2.50 until 30 November  2024, as well as £300 million to protect bus services across the country.

Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

The bus is a great way to access the best of what our city regions have to offer, whether that be world-class cultural experiences, great green spaces or brilliant places to socialise and shop.

Local transport authorities play an important part in connecting our local communities and we encourage older people and those with disabilities who are eligible for a free concessionary pass to take the bus and explore their local areas.

Sylvia Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Better Transport, said:

Taking the bus is a wellbeing boost. Buses keep us connected to friends and family, transport us on days out and help us to stay active. We hope to see more bus pass holders to embrace the benefits of free bus travel to get out and about and enjoy the summer.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 7 July 2023.

Funding for the maritime sector to develop sustainable technologies that help connect people, goods and services in a cleaner, greener way.

The maritime sector given greater support to deliver innovative solutions and new technology in the race to decarbonise the industry and grow the economy, as government commits £34 million of funding, part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) today (7 July 2023).

With the fourth round of funding, this brings the total invested through the CMDC to £129 million. The competition looks to foster and promote the continued progress towards reaching our net zero goals through the development of novel and sustainable technologies that will help connect people, goods and services in a cleaner, greener way.

Maritime Minister Baroness Charlotte Vere said:

Pushing the boundaries of possibility is integral to the UK’s global ambition of a greener maritime sector. That’s why today’s new round of funding continues to set that course, not only keeping our climate goals on track but also boosting opportunities for private investment, new jobs and growing the economy.

The UK’s maritime sector is one of the most competitive and innovative in the world and today’s latest clean maritime demonstration competition funding is testament to that.

Today’s funding will open for applications on 2 August until 27 September. The competition scope and eligibility criteria are available to read on the competition web page now.

Prospective bids will be assessed against a range of criteria to see how likely they will deliver on real world demonstrations of clean maritime technology. This can include everything from creating alternative fuel sources for freight ships to pushing the limits of battery powered vessels.

A total of 105 projects across the UK have been awarded more than £95 million in the first 3 rounds of the CMDC to support the design and development of clean maritime solutions towards commercialisation.

One example of this is MJR Controls, which has been developing a charging system that can be installed on offshore wind turbines. This will power electric crew transfer boats and maintenance vessels operating in offshore wind farms, reducing carbon emissions.

Elsewhere, Collins River Enterprises has been awarded £6 million of funding to demonstrate a zero-emission electric river ferry from Canary Wharf to Rotherhithe in London. The ferry will provide a sustainable alternative to a polluting drive or busy tube and create a blueprint for sustainable ferry crossings across the UK and around the world.

UK Chamber of Shipping Chief Executive Sarah Treseder said:

Instilling confidence in the UK shipping industry to invest in new technologies and fuels is central to reaching net zero. This funding, with a focus on real world demonstrations, will help to do that and unlock investment from across the shipping community to deliver the technologies that will reduce emissions while ensuring shipping remains at the heart of the UK’s economy.

Through the development of both business and consumer focused tech, this competition is ensuring that UK maintains its status as a world leader across all facets of the maritime sector and builds on our Clean maritime plan and Maritime 2050 ambitions. This ongoing focus to foster green maritime technology will not only showcase the UK as a base for private investment but help boost the possibility of future jobs in the maritime sector, grow the economy and highlight how the UK sector is at the cutting edge.

The CMDC is funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) and delivered by Innovate UK. UK SHORE is a programme within the DfT focused on accelerating the technology necessary to decarbonise the domestic maritime sector and is delivering a suite of interventions aimed at addressing different barriers to maritime decarbonisation.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 July 2023.

Anit Chandarana announced as DfT’s Rail Infrastructure Group interim Director General.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is pleased to announce that Great British Railways Transition Team’s lead director, Anit Chandarana, will be joining DfT as Interim Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group.

Anit will work closely in partnership with GBRTT, DfT colleagues and the sector to deliver the government’s vision for rail reform as set out by the Secretary of State in his Bradshaw Address, progress plans for the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), and ensure the benefits of a guiding mind for the railway are delivered as soon as possible.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 July 2023.

UK-led taskforce launched to address global skills challenges in aviation.

The Aviation Minister has today (6 July 2023) launched a UK-led global taskforce at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Gender Summit in Spain to boost careers in the aviation sector.

Building on the success of the government’s existing domestic programme Generation Aviation, which aims to build a resilient and diverse workforce fit for the future, the UK is partnering with Airport Council International (ACI World), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) – demonstrating the importance of international collaboration to address global skills in aviation and aerospace.

Alongside other countries and industry, the taskforce will aim to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in aviation and will retain and upskill the current workforce, as well as promote diversity – unleashing the sector’s economic potential and helping grow the economy.

Aviation and Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:

Since the pandemic, demand for flights has grown but the sector is still facing challenges in recruiting and retaining the people it needs globally.

It takes a united effort to fix that, which is why I am keen to work with international partners to attract the best talent to aviation and deliver a diverse and resilient workforce to overcome the challenges of the future.

The UK has also committed to levelling up both the aviation and maritime sectors by working with Spain to grow the economy and boost the sectors’ standards and sustainability.

Future-proofing our aviation sector doesn’t just sit with the next generation of aviators but requires leadership today. That is why Baroness Vere is also signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spain to promote sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions in the aviation sector by sharing knowledge and best practice and fostering high standards of sustainability globally.

Building on our shared naval heritage, Baroness Vere is also signing the MOU to establish green shipping corridors and protect seafarer welfare.

Earlier this year, the UK government implemented its Seafarers Wages Act, to increase pay and protect seafarers regularly entering the UK.

As part of its Nine-point-plan to work with international partners to reform employment and welfare of seafarers, the UK and Spain will collaborate on protecting seafarers and raising standards on the Anglo-Spanish shipping routes, as well as sharing expertise to develop maritime standards.

The environmental impact of shipping remains at the forefront of the government’s push to decarbonise transport, which is why the UK is also establishing green shipping corridors with Spain as part of the Clydebank Declaration. This will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also promote sustainable economic growth and enhance global efforts to combat climate change.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2023.

Government funding to be awarded for new concepts that will transform rail travel for passengers and increase value for money.

More than £6 million of government funding has been made available for companies with innovative ideas to improve Britain’s railways as Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, launched the latest First of a Kind (FOAK) competition today (14 June 2023).

Under the themes of cost efficiency and increasing value for money, the competition – now in its seventh year – is inviting applicants to put forward proposals for technology that can offer a better customer experience, more reliable services and improved methods to install high-speed rail systems that could slash installation times.

For the first time, this year’s competition is in partnership with HS2 Ltd, which is offering £1 million of funding for innovations to speed up or cut costs of high speed rail systems installations.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

This is an incredible opportunity not just for businesses but for the entire rail industry. Every year, this competition brings together the best and the brightest whose talent and ingenuity help to solve problems we’re facing and drive our railways forward.

This year, we’ll be bringing even more trailblazing projects to life by funding ideas that benefit the passenger, encourage efficiency and transform our rail network for the better.

This year’s competition follows on from 6 successful rounds and a total of almost £50 million in funding, which has seen a range of innovative projects hit the market and improve the day-to-day running of the railways. This includes:

• Seat Frog’s Train Swap product, used across 8 operators, which allows passengers to swap train tickets without having to purchase a new one, as well as bid for last-minute first-class upgrades
• Hack Partners’ Hubble technology, which uses train-mounted cameras to identify and address lineside maintenance issues, such as faults with overhead lines, reducing delay times and costly repairs
• Transreport’s technology, which enables passengers with disabilities to request assistance quickly and easily while on the move, as well as keeping them updated on any disruption on their journeys

There are also a number of winning projects in the pipeline, which are set to become commercial in the coming years. This includes the University of Birmingham’s project developing hydrogen-powered trains, which will be crucial to decarbonising the railways and achieving the UK’s net zero plans.

Further funding is also being awarded to 2 of FOAK’s 2022 winners, so that they may enter the second phase of testing, giving them a better chance of being brought into commercial use. The 2 projects – one that makes it easier to charge train batteries and the other, which uses kinetic energy to cut emissions from diesel trains – have been granted almost £1.5 million in additional funding between them as they represent the most promising projects as part of the ‘low emissions and a greener railway’ theme.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2023.

Refreshed leadership team to propel the construction of HS2 while ensuring costs are kept under control.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper has today (14 June 2023) appointed Keith Smithson and Joanna Davinson as new Non-Executive Directors of the HS2 Ltd Board, strengthening its leadership and expertise to successfully deliver Britain’s most transformative rail project.

The construction of HS2 is already supporting tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on the project and in the supply chain, and over 1,200 apprenticeships have been created since 2017. Once delivered, it will boost local economies right across the UK, provide a greener alternative to road travel and domestic flights, and leave a skills and innovation legacy for the UK’s future infrastructure projects.

In their new roles, Keith and Joanna will work alongside HS2 Ltd’s Chair, Sir Jonathan Thompson, to provide oversight and accountability for the revolutionary project, ensuring costs are controlled and the project is delivered in the most effective way for taxpayers.

Joanna brings extensive knowledge to the role having previously served as the Executive Director of the Central Digital and Data Office at the Cabinet Office.

Meanwhile, Keith has already held several executive positions at global organisations such as HSBC, Paragon Banking Group and KPMG.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I’m delighted to make these updates to the board today and welcome Joanna and Keith to the team.

They bring with them a wealth of experience and I’m confident the right people are in place to robustly grip costs, hold HS2 Ltd to account and drive forward this revolutionary project, which will positively transform rail travel across the UK for generations to come.

In addition to the new appointments, Elaine Holt, Deputy Chair, and Ian King, the government’s Special Director on the Board, have been reappointed for a further 4 years. Dame Judith Hackitt and Stephen Hughes have also been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors for a further 3 years.

This follows Mel Ewell and Roger Mountford recently stepping down from their non-executive roles having completed full terms on the board.

Sir Jonathan Thompson, HS2 Ltd Chair, said:

I am delighted to welcome Joanna and Keith to the Board. They further strengthen the expertise and leadership we have on the HS2 Board at a critical time for the programme as we meet the challenges of inflation and delivering the programme in the most cost-effective way.

They will help ensure HS2 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionise the British rail network – providing vital additional capacity, better connect our towns and cities in the midlands and the north, and fuel economic growth and job creation across the country.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 June 2023.

Extraordinary funding settlement will enable the city’s transport network to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Local transport services in Greater Manchester are being better protected thanks to an extraordinary funding settlement of £18 million announced by the Transport Secretary today (8 June 2023) to ensure the stability and reliability of the transport network.

The new funding for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will enable the city’s transport network to operate and recover from the impact of the pandemic while considering value for money for all taxpayers. The funding will support Greater Manchester’s extensive public transport network in particular.

Set to last until the end of March 2024, the additional funding follows more than £400 million provided for Greater Manchester’s local transport network through numerous transport schemes since March 2020. This is in addition to £1.07 billion through City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), £39.7 million for active travel schemes and £19.87 million through Levelling Up Funds for transport.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

Since the start of the pandemic, the government has repeatedly stepped up to support Greater Manchester and the Bee Network, providing over £400 million to protect and improve services.

We’re determined to see a thriving local transport network in this great city and, while our support package must be fair to taxpayers, I am confident this additional extraordinary settlement will help operators to recover from the pandemic while Transport for Greater Manchester follows through on its promise to reach financial sustainability.

The funding is being provided on the condition that TfGM outlines a pathway to financial sustainability as committed to in the Trailblazer Devolution Deal, which strengthened the Mayor’s powers on transport in Greater Manchester.

TfGM currently faces a very distinct set of circumstances driven principally by the way that Metrolink funding is structured and the city region’s unique local funding commitment to the Greater Manchester Transport Fund (GMTF).

Despite financial constraints impacting the country, this latest funding reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting the network as it continues to combat declining bus and tram usage levels, inflation costs, historic debts and additional revenue risks from bus franchising, and continues to work towards long-term financial sustainability.

Breakdown of funding provided to TfGM since the start of the pandemic

Over £400 million government funding already being provided to TfGM since the start of the pandemic, including:

• following the announcement of 17 May 2023, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will receive a fixed sum of £13 million of Bus Service Operators Grant plus (BSOG+) funding to continue supporting services. This will be calculated based on mileage and BSOG claims for operators in GMCA in 22/23. It will amount to a total of £6.5 million for each of 2023/24 and 2024/25
• over £13 million of funding to Greater Manchester for the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) each year, with Greater Manchester being the first authority in the country to receive this funding directly
• £95 million in Bus Service Improvement Plan funding
• £260 million since the start of the pandemic to support Greater Manchester’s bus and tram network, including bespoke arrangements over the Bus Recovery Grant funding during the scheme, giving Greater Manchester full control over the use of this funding
• £35.7 million through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme to support the introduction of a green bus fleet

This funding is in addition to:

• Greater Manchester has been allocated £1.07 billion through CRSTS, part of a 5-year £5.7 billion government investment to improve the transport networks of 8 city regions across England from 2022/23 to 2026/27
• at Spring Budget, a further £8.8 billion was announced for a second round of CRSTS 2 for 5 years from 2027. Core funding for Greater Manchester will be included in its Single Mayoral Settlement. The process to confirm individual allocations for city regions will be confirmed at the next Spending Review
• £39.7 million for active travel schemes since the start of the pandemic, including £23,719,500 million in the most recent round of Active Travel Fund 4 allocations, alongside £2,876,601 in Capability Funding 2022 and £13,145,172 active travel fund allocations 2021/22

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 8 June 2023.

Network Rail Chair will continue to play a prominent role in bringing about rail reform.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, has been reappointed as the Chair of Network Rail to serve a further 2 years, the Transport Secretary announced today (8 June 2023).

As Chair of the Board, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, will continue to oversee Network Rail’s multi-billion-pound budget to efficiently run 20,000 miles of railway track and provide reliable services for passengers and freight customers across England, Scotland and Wales.

His role will be vital in steering Network Rail’s 5-year plan, backed by £44 billion government funding, to tackle climate change, improve performance, invest in infrastructure and make the railways even greener.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill’s continued service will ensure continuity and a smooth transition to Great British Railways (GBR) that will put customers at the heart of the railways and drive modernisation. Having held a place on Network Rail’s board since 2015, he will use his existing knowledge and experience to oversee a vital period of transformation that will bring track and train together.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

I am delighted to reappoint Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, as Chair of Network Rail, and with his vast experience in the industry, I have no doubt he will help oversee a seamless transition to Great British Railways, delivering our shared goals of a rail network that drives modernisation and economic growth while enhancing the role of the private sector.

Once delivered, GBR will take control of the industry’s finances to deliver efficiency and make the industry financially sustainable by working with the private sector to create a railway that puts passengers first. Alongside this, high-skilled jobs will also be created at GBR headquarters in Derby – Europe’s largest rail hub – which is already brimming with the best talent in the industry.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, previously served as Commissioner of Transport for London for 9 years and led the successful operation of London’s transport for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He also provided valuable support to the government throughout the pandemic and led the Union Connectivity Review in 2021, which explored ways in which transport could better connect the UK. In November 2022, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, received a life peerage, sitting as a crossbench peer, and was knighted in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list, having been made CBE in 2006 for services to public transport.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, said:

I am looking forward to supporting Andrew Haines, Chief Executive, and his team, in maintaining and improving Network Rail’s delivery now and into the next 5-year funding period. I will also do everything I can to move the reform agenda and the creation of Great British Railways forward as soon as possible.

Passengers and freight customers deserve a better, more cost-effective railway that only reform and an integrated railway can deliver. I look forward to continuing to support Network Rail’s transition to Great British Railways.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 6 June 2023.

Innovative start-ups awarded government funding to develop projects that will provide greener transport systems that are accessible to everyone.

Personalised navigation apps for disabled passengers and robots for freight at ports are among 67 transport technology projects being developed and tested through new government funding.

Technology Minister Jesse Norman has announced today (6 June 2023) 67 innovative projects developing transport technology, which are receiving a share of £1.96 million in funding as part of the government’s Transport Research and Innovation Grant (TRIG) Programme. A record number of this year’s winning projects are based outside London, with almost 4 in 5 based outside the capital.

The projects receiving funding include:

• an app that uses augmented reality (AR) to help visually impaired passengers get around rail stations
• remote-controlled robots for deliveries
• kite-powered tug boats to reduce emissions
• drones to deliver packages in hard-to-reach areas

The TRIG programme looks to encourage engineers, academics and innovators to develop ‘blue-skies’ research into real-world solutions to address some of transport’s most pressing issues, such as decarbonisation. This can be a useful way for researchers to take their first steps in creating a new company, helping to grow the economy and create jobs across the UK.

Transport and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman said:

From making travelling easier for visually impaired passengers to improving rural connectivity, these winning projects have the potential to transform the future of transport.

The government wants the UK to be a world leader in the future of transport and, through the TRIG programme, the Department for Transport is supporting innovators and businesses to decarbonise and improve transport while growing the economy and supporting jobs across the UK.

Some of this year’s winning projects include:

• Makesense Technology to create an app that uses augmented reality to create bespoke walking routes to help visually impaired travellers get around railway stations
• Bluewater Engineering Ltd to develop its unique SKYTUG system that uses large kites to tow ships at the same speed as a traditionally-powered craft, which could help reduce the use of polluting engines and decarbonise shipping
• IONA Logistics Ltd to explore how autonomous drones based out of small delivery hubs can be used to deliver small packages faster and cheaper to hard-to-reach rural areas
• Transreport Limited to create an app that allows disabled and older passengers to book the support they need on planes in advance to improve the experience. This app is already in use on trains
• Port of Tyne to explore the viability of using remotely-controlled, and in some instances automated, electric heavy-duty robots to replace HGVs to provide a cleaner and faster alternative, reducing delays in the delivery process
• CC Informatics to explore the use of drones to create 3D digital models of structures, such as bridges and rail tracks, to identify cracks and defects in the structures that would otherwise be invisible, meaning repairs can be made quicker and before more serious issues could develop
• Imperial College London to research the use of Kiacrete – a new type of paving made from recycled materials – instead of concrete, as a more permeable solution to see how it can be used on highways to drain away surface water and reduce flooding

Through the TRIG programme, funded projects could have a transformative impact on transport. This year’s winners bring the total amount invested through the TRIG programme to over £12 million since it launched in 2014, having funded nearly 300 projects.

The programme is designed to focus on a range of transport-related areas, including:

• maritime decarbonisation
• the future of freight
• local transport decarbonisation
• improving the rail passenger experience
• transport resilience to severe weather and flooding

The TRIG programme, delivered in partnership with Connected Places Catapult, brings together talented innovators – mainly start-ups and universities – and policymakers at the earliest stage of innovation to help enhance the UK’s transport system.

Nicola Yates OBE, Connected Places Catapult, Chief Executive Officer, said:

By getting funding into innovative start-ups, we are creating jobs of the future and growing vital areas of the economy.

Transport Research and Innovation Grants support high-potential innovators to develop their ideas into new products and services.

In addition to an injection of funding, companies that join the TRIG cohort benefit from access to experts from Connected Places Catapult to help them on their journey to commercialisation.