Completing the Network

 

Our goal for transport for 2035 and beyond is to make travel easier, cleaner, and more efficient for everyone. We are working to create a fully integrated, net zero transport network. Here is what you can expect:

– A connected system that’s safe, sustainable, and reliable

– More people choosing to walk, wheel, or use public transport

– Extensive infrastructure for electric, alternative fuel and ultra-low emission vehicles

– Roads and railways that support our growing region

 

 

Peninsula Rail Task Force

The Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) is the strategic rail sub-group for Peninsula Transport, established in 2013 following the severe storms that damaged rail lines across the South West.

PRTF brings together the rail industry, local authorities, and business partners to deliver a wide range of rail improvements. Achievements to date include:

  • Delivery of four out of five phases of the South West Rail Resilience Package at Dawlish

  • Major depot renewals at Penzance and Exeter

  • Opening of a new station at Marsh Barton

  • Reopening of the Okehampton line

  • Mainline signalling upgrades through Cornwall

Current Priorities

PRTF’s current work is focused on:

  • Improved local services – increasing reliability and addressing overcrowding on branch lines

  • Better accessibility – delivering new stations at Wellington, Cullompton, and Edginswell

  • Enhanced passenger experience – including improved mobile connectivity

  • Upgraded station infrastructure – such as the redevelopment of Plymouth Station

  • Rail resilience – securing ongoing funding for the South West Rail Resilience Programme

  • Peninsula Metro Rail projects – building on the Devon Metro’s success, delivering the Mid Cornwall Metro, and advancing the Plymouth Metro system

RIS3

National Highways has a pipeline of schemes for the Strategic Road Network known as Road Investment Strategy (RIS) schemes. Peninsula Transport works with National Highways and the Department of Transport to make sure region’s priorities feature within the RIS programme. The next is RIS3 which covers the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30.

Regional Centre of Excellence

Our new Regional Centre of Excellence will enable us to share expertise, analysis, and data with partners and stakeholders, while also providing valuable evidence to support member authorities in developing their Local Transport Plans.

As part of this, we are launching two new tools:

  • A carbon forecasting tool to predict the impact of transport investments on emissions

  • An EV charge point demand tool to plan for future charging needs

We are also updating our regional data resources to ensure decision-makers have access to the most up-to-date insights. Together, this work will help to:

  • Predict how transport investments affect carbon emissions

  • Guide local transport planning

  • Support the growing need for EV charge points

  • Track trends to inform local investment decisions