Rural Communities Must Not Be Left in the Dark on Transport Devolution: Report

As devolved powers expand across England through Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), there is growing concern that rural communities risk being left in the dark about how transport decisions will affect their daily lives, local economies and long-term prosperity.

A new report, Devolution and Transport, developed by the Rural Policy Group for Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)), highlights the need for stronger rural representation, freight integration and greater transparency as transport powers transfer to Combined Authorities.

Jonathan Riley CMILT, member of the Rural Policy Group told That's Business: “Transport devolution is not just about governance, it has real-world consequences. 

"In rural areas, limited mobility can restrict access to jobs, education, healthcare and essential services. Poor connectivity contributes to economic stagnation, social isolation and poor mental health. For many rural residents, transport is not a convenience - it is a lifeline.

“Rural communities must not be left in the dark. If we are serious about balanced regional growth, rural voices must be at the table and success must be measured by outcomes in rural areas as well as cities.”

Freight and Cross-Border Coordination

Freight must be central to the debate. Rural roads, rail links, ports and logistics corridors underpin regional and national supply chains. Freight movements are often more nationally networked than passenger journeys, crossing Combined Authority boundaries and borders between the UK nations.

Effective coordination between MCAs - and between the nations - is therefore essential. Without it, there is a risk of fragmentation and reduced reliability across rural networks that support both local communities and urban economies. Combined Authorities must demonstrate how devolved powers will strengthen passenger connectivity and freight resilience across boundaries, not just within them.

Reform Beyond Transport

The report also recognises that transport reform is not happening in isolation. Reorganisations in policing, health and other public services may increase travel distances and uncertainty for rural residents, compounding existing challenges linked to distance and limited public transport.

This reinforces the central message: rural communities face additional pressures and must be actively listened to as reforms take shape.

Key Recommendations

The report calls for:

A clear national strategic ambition for rural areas beyond environmental protection.

Measurement of connectivity, integration and economic impact across mixed urban–rural regions.

Safeguards against urban dominance within larger Combined Authorities.

Retention of expertise from Sub-national Transport Bodies.

Systems thinking to manage cross-boundary corridors and multimodal networks.

Guaranteed baseline access to transport for rural communities and businesses.

Clear public communication on devolved powers and cross-border responsibilities.

Recognition of driver licensing pressures in rural areas - including graduated driving licences in Northern Ireland - and consideration of similar powers in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Devolution presents a significant opportunity to improve connectivity and regional productivity. But it will only succeed if rural communities are informed, represented and recognised as central to economic growth — not treated as an afterthought

FACTFILE:

With over 40 years in transport, Jonathan Riley is a respected leader across rail and maritime sectors. After 12 years in management at British Rail, he moved into international consulting, supporting passenger rail franchises in the UK and major change programmes in Portugal, Greece, and Sri Lanka. At the Strategic Rail Authority, he led the 10-year rail freight plan and restructured national freight grants.

During 19 years at Serco, he expanded ferry operations in Scotland and Sweden, led the successful Caledonian Sleeper franchise bid, and procured new rolling stock—driving transformation in vital public transport services.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the membership organisation for professionals leading supply chain operations for the movement of goods and people. Members of the Institute are involved in the management and design of infrastructure, systems, processes and information flows, and in the creation, management and continuous improvement of effective organisations. The work of our members adds value to people and society and directly impacts the environment, business profitability and economic growth. www.ciltuk.org.uk 

You can download the report here: https://cms.ciltuk.org.uk/media/cdugibig/cilt_expandeddevelopment.pdf

Historic Routemaster Buses Take to the Streets to Mark 70 Years of Public Service

A special fleet of iconic London Routemaster buses will return to the capital’s streets today, Sunday 8th February, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Routemaster entering public service.

The commemorative road run is being organised by the Routemaster Association with support from Transport for London (TfL) and London Transport Museum and will recreate Route 2, the very route on which RM1, the first production Routemaster entered passenger service in 1956.

The event will begin with RM1 and other buses gathering at the Ace Café at 09:30am. From there, RM1 will lead a convoy to Golders Green Station and then follow the historic Route 2 through London, finishing at Crystal Palace where members of the public are welcome to see the vehicles up close, speak with owners and crews, and photograph these beautifully preserved buses.

The Routemaster bus remains one of the most recognisable symbols of London, celebrated worldwide for its innovative design, durability, and contribution to public transport history. Many of the vehicles taking part are privately owned and maintained by enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving this important part of Britain’s transport heritage.

Today, RM1 is cared for by London Transport Museum at its Depot in Acton as part of its historic collection documenting London and its journey over the past 200 years.

The event is free to attend, with no tickets or booking required, making it an ideal day out for transport enthusiasts, families, photographers, and anyone with an interest in London’s history.

Speaking ahead of the event, David Lee, Chairman of the Routemaster Association, told That's Business: “The Routemaster is more than just a bus, it’s a design icon and a symbol of London itself. Recreating the very first route it operated on, 70 years to the week after RM1 entered service, feels like a fitting and special way to mark this milestone. We’re delighted to welcome the public to join us."

Talking about the significance of RM1 and this milestone anniversary, Matt Brosnan, Head Curator at London Transport Museum said: ‘We’re delighted that RM1 can take part in this special Routemaster Association convoy marking 70 years since it first entered service. 

"As the very first Routemaster, RM1 is an icon of London’s transport history, and we’re pleased to have recently completed its restoration at our Depot in Acton, where it continues to be carefully maintained by our team. 

"It’s great to join up with the Routemaster Association and Transport for London for the opportunity to see RM1 back out on the road for this anniversary celebration. Members of the public will also be able to enjoy RM1 up close at our upcoming Depot open days in April, where it will be on display as part of our historic vehicle collection."

https://routemaster.org.uk