Better Transport Conference

Join us at the Better Transport Conference, a groundbreaking event organised by Campaign for Better Transport, hosted by King's College London and sponsored by SYSTRA!

Find out more about Better Transport Week by visiting www.bettertransportweek.org.uk

At this first annual conference to celebrate Better Transport Week, the future of transport will be charted in collaboration with the public, industry leaders, local authorities, third sector organisations, and academics.

The conference will feature a diverse range of sessions.

Thought leaders and industry experts will explore strategies for inclusive and innovative transport solutions. Sessions throughout the day will delve into topics such as international rail, historic lessons for future transport, local authority strategies, and the transport priorities of young people.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in live focus groups, podcast recordings, and panel discussions on shared mobility solutions, health impacts, and rural transport challenges.

With plenty of networking opportunities, an exhibition area and a closing drinks reception, this free conference promises ample opportunities for idea sharing and collaboration among stakeholders committed to building a better future.

This event is open to all, including general public, who are interested in sustainable transport and would like to join.

Thank you to SYSTRA for sponsoring this event

Programme

08:30 - 09:00 Coffee and Networking

Join us for Coffee and Networking in the Great Hall

09:00 - 10:15 Keynote Presentation

Will we look back on 2024 as a significant year for transport?

With rapid advancements in technology, evolving consumer demands, and the imperative push for sustainability, the transport landscape stands at a transformative crossroads. From the continued prominence of electric and autonomous vehicles to the revolution in micromobility, to the controversy surrounding some transport schemes, 2024 holds the promise of reshaping how we move, connect, and thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. This panel presentation promises to explore the critical developments and emerging trends that may define this pivotal moment in transport history.

Speakers

Session Chair: Leon Daniels, OBE - Director, Leon Daniels Associates

Alison Edwards - Director of Policy, Confederation of Passenger Transport

Greg Hartshorn - Director, Transport Strategy and Policy, AtkinsRéalis

Prof. Jillian Anable - Professor, University of Leeds

Lisa Martin - Director Sustainably Mobility - Steer

Robert Cook - Policy Director, Railway Industry Association

Sarah McMonagle - Director of External Affairs, Cycling UK

10:15 -11:00 Coffee and Networking Great Hall

Join us for Coffee and Networking in the Great Hall

11:15 - 12:15

Breaking Borders: International Rail

This session will focus on the importance of large-scale expansion of international rail links between the UK, Europe and beyond. At a challenging time for cross-border travel with the European Entry and Exit System to be rolled out later in the year, the long term need for significant mode shift from air to rail is more important than ever. This panel will look at how we might get there, short, medium and long term.

Speakers

Session Chair: Michael Solomon Williams - Head of Campaigns, Campaign for Better Transport

Esther Ebisanmi - Public Affairs and Business Engagement Officer - Bring Back Euro Trains

Gareth Williams - General Secretary and Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer, Eurostar

Malini Bose - Associate Director Sustainable Transport, KPMG

Richard Stuart - Board Director, AllRail

11:15 - 12:15

Accelerating reversals: lessons from the past for future benefit

A session which takes a long historic view, assessing the balance of progress and/or decline on infrastructure, ridership, mode share and public health. How does progress made on rail reopenings balance against declining bus ridership? Will positive growth in cycling for local journeys lead levels comparable to those achieved in the early 20th Century? Electric trams served communities up and down the country. Could they do so once more?

Session Chair: Tom Cohen - Reader in Transport Policy, University of Westminster

Elizabeth McKay - Chief Executive Officer, London Transport Museum

James Hammett - Managing Director, UK Tram

Eleanor Broad - Associate Director, Create Streets

David Frankal - Joint Chief Executive, EnRoute

11:15 - 12:15

Local Transport Remixed

This panel will delve into the innovative approaches of local authorities in redefining transport strategies and priorities. As communities seek sustainable, efficient, and inclusive mobility solutions, local governments play a pivotal role in shaping the transport landscape. Join us as we examine the dynamic intersection of policy, technology, and community engagement, paving the way for a more resilient and interconnected transport network at the local level.

Session Chair: Mark Frost – Founder, Fern Counsulting

Aoife Dudley - Principal Transport Consultant, City Science

Paul Sainthouse - Managing Director, Dawsongroup

Jools Townsend - Chief Executive Officer, Community Rail Network

Neil Fulton - Chief Executive Officer, Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation

12:20 - 13:20

Young People’s Live Focus Group

This session presents a unique opportunity to explore the transport priorities and visions of the next generation. As the future stewards of our transport systems, their perspectives are invaluable in shaping inclusive and sustainable mobility. Through an interactive Focus Group style discussion, this session seeks to amplify the voices of young people, uncovering their aspirations, concerns, and innovative ideas for the future of transport. Join us as we listen, learn, and co-create a transport landscape that resonates with the needs and aspirations of the next generation.

Speaker

Session Chair: Dallas Delauney - Marketing Manager, Snapper Services

Emily Lewis - Apprentice

Joshua Valdez - Assistant Transport Planner, AtkinsRéalis

Leo Murphy - Procurement Support Specialist, Worldline

Freya Sareen - Youth Advocate, Campaign for National Parks

Isaac Olaokiki-Hassan - Interior Architecture and Design Student

Joshua Brown-Smith – ‘Don’t Zap the Zip' Campaign

12:20 - 13:20

Better Transport for Better Health

Better Transport for Better Health investigates the health impact of transport, the role of health providers, the importance of collaboration, and the power of health messaging in influencing behaviour and policy. This session scrutinizes the interconnectedness of transport and public health, highlighting how transport choices profoundly affect physical activity, air quality, and overall well-being. Join us as we navigate the intersection of transport and health, aiming to inspire actionable strategies for promoting well-being through improved transport systems and policies.

Speakers

Session Chair: Livi Elsmore - Campaign Manager, Healthy Air Coalition

Natasha Feiner - Policy and Influencing Manager, Impact on Urban Health

Aagash Vadera - GP and Urban Designer, Create Streets

Izzy Romilly - Researcher and Campaign Manager, Possible

12:20 - 13:20

Delivering Better Transport

This session examines various dimensions of transport, ranging from rail freight to last mile delivery, to dissect the role of delivery and logistics. This session investigates how different modes of transport contribute to the efficient movement of goods and services, analysing the challenges and opportunities confronted by delivery networks. Join us as we examine the pivotal role of transport in delivering superior outcomes for industries and communities.

Session Chair: Sharon Kindleysides - Secretary General, CILT International

Michelle Gardner - Deputy Director of Policy, Logistics UK

Dr Daniela Paddeu - Associate Professor of Sustainable Freight Futures, University of the West of England

Harriet Hird - Head of Marketing, Zedify

Andrew Potter - Professor, Cardiff University

13:20 - 14:25 Lunch and networking Great Hall

Join us in the Great Hall for lunch, networking and visiting exhibitors.

14:30 - 15:30

The Rest is Transport? A live podcast Room

Join us for this live podcast exploring the multifaceted nature of transport. In this session, Pete Dyson and guests into the interconnectedness of transport with various aspects of our lives, from economics and culture to technology and the environment. Join us as we probe how transport shapes and influences the world around us, sparking insightful discussions and thought-provoking conversations. “Tune in” to explore the vast implications of transport beyond just getting from point A to point B.

Speakers

Co-Host: Pete Dyson - Behavioural Scientist, Author of Transport for Humans

Co-Host: Michael Solomon Williams - Head of Campaigns, Campaign for Better Transport

Amir Dawoodbhai - Youth Advocate

Emily Turner - Independent Writer and Podcaster

Callum Marius - Social Content Manager, Govia Thameslink Railway

14:30 - 15:30

Shared problems, shared solutions

This session explores the progress and potential of shared mobility solutions, ranging from car clubs to shared cycle schemes in both urban and rural settings. We investigate how shared mobility initiatives address common challenges faced by communities, such as congestion, pollution, and limited access to transport. Join us as we explore the shared problems and collaborative solutions that shape the future of mobility.

Speakers

Session Chair: Catherine Bowen - Senior Policy Advisor, BVRLA

Alice Pleasant - Public Affairs Manager, Lime

Oz Choudri - Head of Mobility Solutions & Public Sector – UK & Ireland, Enterprise Mobility

Richard Dilks - Chief Executive Officer, CoMoUK

14:30 - 15:30

Countryside matters

This session focuses on enabling modal shift in rural settings and improving modes for better journeys. The panel explores the unique challenges and opportunities for transport in rural areas, where access to reliable and sustainable modes of travel is crucial for connecting communities and supporting local economies.

Speakers

Session Chair: Silviya Barrett - Director of Policy and Campaigns, Campaign for Better Transport

Caroline Whitney - Director for England, Community Transport Association

Brad Taylor - Rural Policy and Campaigns Officer, CPRE

Claire Walters - Chief Executive Officer, Bus Users UK

Kerry Booth - Chief Executive Officer, Rural Services Network

15:30 - 16:45 Closing Panel Presentation

Mapping a Better Transport Future

Embark on a visionary journey with our closing panel discussion as we explore the prospects for sustainable transport at a time of significant change across the UK. Join thought leaders from diverse backgrounds—public, government, and industry—as we envision a future where sustainable transport seamlessly connects regions. From rural landscapes to urban hubs, we will discuss inclusive strategies, innovative technologies, and collaborative initiatives that will revolutionize transport on a broader scale, shaping a blueprint for sustainable and interconnected transport systems that transcend city boundaries, fostering a greener, more accessible future for all.

Speakers

Session Chair: Ben Plowden - Chair, Transport Planning Society

Gareth Dennis - Engineer and writer

Chris Hillcoat - Future Mobility, KPMG

Elizabeth Gilliard - Vice-President, CILT(UK)

Christine Boston - Director, Sustrans Cymru

Christopher Martin - Co-Founder, Urban Movement, Urban Movement

17:00 - 20:00 Drinks Reception and Networking Bush House Terrace