Move fast and fix things – new team at DfT gets to work
Under a new motto of ‘move fast and fix things’, new Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has set the DfT on the task of delivering the ‘biggest overhaul to transport in a generation’.
Among the priorities is improving bus services and growing usage across the country. Louise’s first official visit later this week will be focused on plans to deliver better buses in every corner of the country, beginning a round of engagement with Mayors and devolved leaders who will be key delivery partners.
The Minister set out five strategic priorities:
- improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail reform
- improving bus services and growing usage across the country
- transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality
- delivering greener transport
- better integrating transport networks
In addition to the appointment of Rail Minister, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of new ministers at the DfT, including Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP; Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP and Aviation, Maritime, and Security Minister, Mike Kane MP.
“Growth, net zero, opportunity, women and girls’ safety, health – none of these can be realised without transport as a key enabler” – Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh
Louise said: “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 so clearly central to achieving the missions for government that the Prime Minister has committed us to.
“Growth, net zero, opportunity, women and girls’ safety, health – none of these can be realised without transport as a key enabler.”
Responding to the appointment of the DfT ministerial team, Paul Tuohy, from Campaign for Better Transport, said: “We welcome the appointment of these able and passionate new ministers to the Department for Transport team. We’re particularly pleased to see Sir Peter Hendy, who brings a lot of external experience, and Lillian Greenwood, former chair of the transport select committee, given prominent roles within the department and look forward to working with them.
“This new team must, in the words of Secretary of State for Transport, ‘move fast and fix things’ by addressing the future of rail capacity and long-term bus funding reform as a priority.”
“Coaches are vital for tourism, school transport, professional and amateur sports, and being there when other forms of transport fail” – Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “Many congratulations to Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP on his appointment.
“We look forward to working with him to represent the needs of RHA coach members. Coaches are vital for tourism, school transport, professional and amateur sports, and being there when other forms of transport fail. It does all this while being one of the cleanest forms of transport, with per-passenger emissions comparable to rail.
“Since we launched our coach membership in 2021, we continue to build our profile in the coach sector and we stand ready to collaborate with the new minister on solutions to support coach operators across the country.”