Scottish transport is critical to our ability to sustain economic success and thriving, stable communities. However, the strength and development of our transport systems is under challenge. We have fragile public finances. We need to attract private investment and confidence. There are now reshaped travel patterns following COVID. Transport is expected to simultaneously help deliver economic growth and meet net zero targets while remaining affordable and reliable. What therefore should be our strategic objectives and targets for transport? How can we innovate to fund and deliver both projects and services? Who should transport policy and delivery be seeking to serve?
This conference will examine how Scottish transport can engage with three core themes. Firstly, what should be the strategic and policy drivers for Scottish transport? Secondly, how do we meet the immediate challenges of Scottish transport needs? Finally, can we meet the competing delivery demands of passenger transport, active travel, climate, roads, business and economic growth?
Scotland's public finances are extremely constrained and in that context the Scottish Government's budget, passed in February this year, carried serious implications for transport. New road building won out over rail investment. Bus Partnership Fund expenditure was suspended. The Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme was cancelled. The Active Travel budget was again raised, although not to the target set by the now defunct Bute House Agreement. The question raised by such decisions is this – do we have a joined-up Scottish transport policy or are budget limitations forcing piecemeal revision of targets, projects and wider transport policy?
Transport has already experienced unprecedented challenges in recent years – certainly as much, and maybe more so, than most other service areas or sectors of the economy. The nature and purpose of travel was disrupted, perhaps permanently, for many. The long-term implications of that experience on revenue, development, safety and climate sustainability are difficult to predict. The immediately following blow of public finance constraint has both disrupted Scottish transport policy and made all the more imperative the need to be clear on what our new priorities are and how to achieve them.
The conference examines the challenges we now face in three sessions:
Topics to be discussed
Who should attend
This conference will be relevant for anyone involved in the planning, building, maintenance or delivery of transport and transport services and infrastructure in Scotland. This includes local government, transport companies, engineering and infrastructure companies, regulators, transport lawyers, academics and managers, project managers and professional advisors, smart mobility and data specialists, those working in transport and data systems and services supply, freight and passenger companies and bodies, partners in the transport supply chain, associated transport systems and services and transport representative bodies.
09:25 Chair's opening remarks
Session 1: The strategic and policy context for Scottish transport
09:30 Keynote speaker
09:45 Question and answer session
09:55 Transport policy for Scotland – what's the plan?
10:10 What is needed – reflecting on the range of transport demands
10:25 Question and answer session
10:40 Comfort break
Session 2: The challenges Scottish transport faces now
10:55 Scottish transport funding and investment
11:10 Can we meet our immediate transport priorities?
11:25 Question and answer session
11:40 Comfort break
Session 3: Focusing on delivery – passenger transport, active travel, climate, roads, business and economy
11:55 Passenger transport, active travel and local authorities
12:10 Transport – the climate, business and economy requirements
12:25 Question and answer session
12:40 Chair's closing remarks
This conference will take place online.
How to book
You can book to attend, or order the video only, in 3 ways:
Conference fees
GROUP DISCOUNT – organisations booking 3 or more delegates will receive every third delegate place free of charge (please complete further forms if necessary)
PLEASE NOTE – the option of ordering the video recording only is intended for any individual who would normally have attended the event but – for whatever reason – is unable to do so on the day. It is not permissible to share this recording. Please contact us if you wish to share this recording. See our terms and conditions for further information.
Payment
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Bank details will be included on the invoice.
If you wish to pay by card, please tick the appropriate box on the booking form and a member of our staff will contact you by telephone to take the payment. Alternatively you may call 0131 556 1500.
Terms and conditions
By placing this booking, you agree to the full terms and conditions found via the link at the foot of our website.
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