Newly appointed Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has pledged to deliver the most significant transport overhaul in a generation.
Haigh emphasized a proactive approach with the new departmental motto: “move fast and fix things.”
The Governments Priorities for Transformation
In her inaugural address to the Department for Transport (DfT) staff, Haigh outlined five strategic priorities, positioning transport as central to the government’s mission-driven agenda:
- Improving Performance on the Railways: Haigh aims to drive forward comprehensive rail reform, focusing on enhancing performance and reliability for passengers.
- Enhancing Bus Services: The goal is to improve and increase bus usage nationwide, ensuring accessibility and efficiency.
- Transforming Infrastructure: Haigh is committed to ensuring infrastructure works for the entire country, promoting social mobility, and tackling regional inequality.
- Delivering Greener Transport: The focus will be on sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions to support the UK’s net-zero targets.
- Integrating Transport Networks: Better integration of various transport networks to provide seamless connectivity for all users.
Immediate Actions and Future Plans
Haigh wasted no time in putting her plans into action. Her first official visit will focus on delivering improved bus services across the country. This visit marks the beginning of a series of engagements with Mayors and devolved leaders, who will be crucial in implementing these changes.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s Statement:
“It will take all our effort, but the new motto of our department – our purpose – is simple: move fast and fix things. Our department is central to achieving the government’s missions, including growth, net-zero, opportunity, and safety.”
Haigh stressed the importance of thinking about infrastructure and services together at every step. She also highlighted the department’s relentless focus on improving railway performance and introducing much-needed rail reforms.
New Ministerial Appointments
To support these ambitious plans, the Prime Minister has appointed new ministers at the Department for Transport:
- Rail Minister: Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, who brings decades of experience to transform infrastructure and improve public transport.
- Future of Roads Minister: Lilian Greenwood MP.
- Local Transport Minister: Simon Lightwood MP.
- Aviation, Maritime, and Security Minister: Mike Kane MP.
Haigh will soon attend the Privy Council to be officially sworn in as Secretary of State, marking the formal beginning of her tenure.
Priorities and Actions of the Transport Secretary
Priority |
Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Railway Performance Improvement | Drive forward rail reform and enhance performance and reliability. |
| Bus Services Enhancement | Improve and grow bus usage nationwide, ensuring accessibility and efficiency. |
| Infrastructure Transformation | Ensure infrastructure supports social mobility and tackles regional inequality. |
| Greener Transport Delivery | Focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions. |
| Transport Network Integration | Better integrate transport networks for seamless connectivity. |
Moving Forward
Louise Haigh’s ambitious plan for the Department for Transport sets a clear direction for transformative changes in the UK’s transport sector.
By focusing on rail reform, bus service improvement, infrastructure transformation, greener transport, and network integration, the new Transport Secretary aims to deliver a comprehensive overhaul that benefits the entire nation.
Sources: THX News, Department for Transport, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE & Louise Haigh MP.
