The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched its Mass Transit Taskforce, which was announced in its Better Connected national transport strategy.

Consisting of transport, industry, finance and academic experts, the taskforce has a mandate to ‘identify the biggest hurdles' to introducing mass transit systems – including trams, light rail and high-frequency buses – across the UK and how they can be cleared, in line with the recommendation of the New Towns Taskforce Report on mass transit.

Factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land are some of the obstacles that prevent the delivery of these systems. The taskforce is seeking to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, along with targeted recommendations.

Existing mass transit systems that move ‘large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities' have already ‘transformed urban life' in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands, according to the DfT.

The taskforce is expected to work independently and will be led by chair Bridget Rosewell CBE to draw on global best practices to make recommendations on how these systems can be introduced more efficiently.

Other members of the taskforce will include David Milner, managing director of Create Streets, Richard de Cani, chief officer for global business and markets at Arup and Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, which is also expected to provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: ‘Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

‘That's why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce, which will use its skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

‘Meanwhile, we're putting power in local hands, empowering mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.'

While the DfT stated that the taskforce has already begun work, there are still some details that are yet to be confirmed. Further details, such as full membership and the taskforce's next steps, are expected ‘in due course'.

Ms Rosewell added: ‘Integrated mass transit systems can transform how people move around our towns and cities, connecting communities with jobs, homes and opportunity.

‘I am pleased to chair this taskforce as it looks closely at the barriers to delivery and provides practical recommendations to government and local leaders on how to turn ambition into reality.'

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, stated: ‘We have ambitious plans for our region, and a mass transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth. But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering mass transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.'

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, commented: ‘Mass transit is a crucial layer of the West of England's transport system for the future. 

‘The government's new Mass Transit Taskforce will bring additional expertise as we look at the best potential routes for mass transit in our region to move people around more quickly – whether that's trams, light rail, or new buses. Just weeks ago, the historic Devolution Act empowered mayors with more levers to make things happen for our areas. Today, it's brilliant to see even more powers being moved out of Westminster and into the West of England so that we can do more, faster.'

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, added: ‘Liverpool was the birthplace of the world's first intercity passenger railway, so we know better than most how transformative great transport can be.'