Better Transport Week conference highlights shared vision for integrated transport

UKTram joined policymakers, transport authorities, and industry leaders at the Better Transport Conference 2026 to discuss improving connections between people, places, and opportunities.

Held at London South Bank University on Friday, the 19th June, the conference concluded Better Transport Week 2026, a national programme by Campaign for Better Transport promoting safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport across England and Wales.

As a Corporate Champion of Campaign for Better Transport, UKTram engaged with sector partners and contributed to discussions shaping the future of integrated transport.

The event opened with keynote addresses from Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy and Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport. Delegates explored topics including rail and bus reform, devolution, accessibility, and long-term transport planning.

A consistent message emerged: passengers see transport as a single, connected journey rather than separate modes. Speakers stressed the need for greater integration among rail, bus, light rail, active travel, and new transport services to ensure networks meet community needs.

The conference also highlighted the growing role of Combined Authorities and devolved transport powers, emphasising the need to give local areas more flexibility to shape networks that reflect local priorities and support economic growth. A collective view here is that transport is about more than moving people, but also about enabling stronger local economies and communites and better, healthier places to live.

Such discussions reflect the significant contribution light rail already makes in UK towns and cities. Tramways provide more reliable, accessible and sustainable transport, connecting communities to employment, education, healthcare and leisure, while supporting regeneration and encouraging modal shift.

Reflecting on the event, James Hammett UKTram Managing Director said:

“Better Transport Week reinforced something we’ve seen throughout the sector: successful transport is about connecting people with opportunities, services and communities. Many of the themes discussed, including integration, accessibility and long-term planning, closely reflect the contribution that light rail already makes across the UK.”

The conference concluded a busy week for UKTram, following its participation in the launch event in Birmingham and a partner event: Women in Transport's 'From Intent to Impact' event in Leeds. These events highlighted the importance of collaboration across the transport community and reinforced the role of light rail in creating integrated, people-focused networks. As transport reform, devolution and modal shift continue to evolve, UKTram remains committed to representing the light rail sector in national conversations, sharing expertise, and working with partners to help shape the future of transport.