Easier Journeys
Simplifying the public transport system across the peninsula will make getting around quicker and more user-friendly.
We are working on facilitating an integrated transport system that focuses on the needs of the customers. We want to make travel easy and accessible as well as unlock better active travel connectivity with the bus and rail network. This requires one place to find all travel information, integrated ticketing that works across different types of transport, the same transport standards throughout the peninsula, and seamless integration to make switching between buses, trains and other transport convenient.
Coaches
Making coach travel more attractive and convenient is an integral part of improving our region’s transport network. We have published our Coach Action Plan, looking at what is needed to improve coach services in the region, as well as aiming to spot quick and easy improvement opportunities. In addition, we are working alongside our member authorities to raise the profile of the coach industry and improve services and connectivity for passengers across our region.
Peninsula Transport’s Online Coach Forum has also been launched. This is a new platform designed to bring together partners, operators, and stakeholders from across the South West to shape the future of coach travel in the region. The forum invites everyone with a stake in coach services to join the conversation and help deliver real regional progress. A Virtual Welcome Session will be held in June to introduce the forum and its aims, hear from participants, and explore ideas for future content.
We have also launched the Peninsula Transport Coach Parking Portal, the first of its kind in the southwest. Please see below for the interactive map, which details coach parking spots and stations.
Integrated Ticketing
A single ticket that works on all types of transport will save time and money, as well as making travel much easier. Midlands Connect Sub-National Transport Body are developing a solution, in partnership with the Department for Transport, Project Coral and Transport for the West Midlands, for a single nationwide integrated ticketing scheme for buses. Building on the good work of Midlands Connect, we are taking a network approach within the peninsula, covering both our urban and rural services, and looking at creating one ticket across bus, coach, and rail services. An Integrated Ticketing Stakeholder Forum will be set up to help develop this work.
Rural Mobility
Rural Mobility Strategy
Around 17% of the English population live in rural areas and in the South West that figure is 33%. Our South West Rural Mobility Strategy has been jointly developed with Western Gateway Sub-national Transport Body and sets out how the two STBs will deliver an ambitious vision to improve rural mobility for the communities that need it most.
Prospectus for Pilot Projects
The Rural Mobility Pilot Prospectus builds on the Rural Mobility Strategy. The prospectus will set out a series of ‘grand challenges’ to be overcome and provides scope for potential pilot projects that could be trialled in the South West. The prospectus is currently under development and will be available late 2024.