Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body (STB) and strategic rail sub-group Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) are pleased to announce the appointment of two new Chairs to lead their respective organisations.
Councillor John Stephens has been appointed Chair of Peninsula Transport, succeeding Councillor Mark Coker.
Councillor Stephens currently serves as Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport at Plymouth City Council. With a strong background in transport strategy and urban planning, he brings valuable expertise and leadership that will be instrumental in driving forward Peninsula Transport’s vision for a better-connected South West.
Councillor Dan Rogerson has been named the new Chair of PRTF, replacing Councillor Andrea Davis.
Councillor Rogerson is the Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for Transport at Cornwall Council and a former MP for North Cornwall. Born and educated in Cornwall, he has spent much of his career advocating for rural communities and infrastructure. His deep understanding of regional and rural transport challenges makes him a passionate and experienced advocate for the future of rail in the Peninsula.
In their new leadership roles, both Chairs will work with the Board to enhance strategic transport connectivity across the South West, ensuring the region’s infrastructure priorities are clearly communicated at the national level. Their combined knowledge and experience will play a vital role in supporting economic growth and improving travel for communities across the region.
During May this year Peninsula Transport STB published its route map to achieving a strategic transport network that works for businesses, communities and visitors in the South West. The Strategic Implementation Plan 2025/50 represents the delivery plan for Peninsula Transport’s Transport Strategy, published in early 2024. It sets out the strategic priorities for the peninsula region across all modes of transport and provides advice to ministers for investment, focusing on:
- Easier journeys
- Going electric
- A connected peninsula
- Completing the transport network
These are set to be achieved by various measures including enhanced rail mobile connectivity, integrated ticketing and better information for public transport; widespread and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure; greater freight connectivity and efficiency; ultra-low emission infrastructure and vehicles; safer and more resilient roads to walking and wheeling connectivity at public transport hubs.
Whilst Peninsula Transport does not directly deliver projects, it sets the strategic priorities for the region, influences and advocates investment in freight, rail and road, and the transport measures and infrastructure necessary for moving to a cleaner, healthier and ultimately, decarbonised transport system. It covers the entire transport system across the peninsula and beyond, from rail to roads and from inter-city freight to rural transport, working with five local transport authorities covering Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
Councillor John Stephens, Peninsula Transport Chair commented:
“I’m proud to step into the role of Peninsula Transport Chair at such an important time for the region and help represent our member local authorities with a single voice, as well as present regional priorities for investment in strategic transport in the south west peninsula. A vast amount of progress has been made since the STB’s inception in 2018 and my background in transport has shown me the critical role infrastructure plays in supporting communities, driving economic growth and completing a transport network that works for everyone.”
Councillor Dan Rogerson, New PRFT Chair added:
“I’m honoured to chair the PRTF which has represented the South West to advocate for rail investment since 2013. It is vital that we continue to bring together local authorities and the rail industry to present a strong, unified case to the Government for strategic rail investment in the region.”