The Government has published Better Connected,[1] its long-term strategy for integrated transport across England. Developed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, it sets out three core principles:
- Putting people first
- Using transport to create better-connected places.
- Working in genuine partnership with local leaders.
Key priorities for the Transport sector
This comes alongside eight priorities ranging from simplified payments and safer journeys to data-driven decision-making and empowering local authorities. For businesses operating in the transport and technology sectors, Better Connected provides a clear signal of where Government attention, political will, and funding will be directed over the coming years.
Opportunities for innovation and accessibility
The Better Connected strategy is clear in its focus on a ‘safe, reliable, affordable and accessible’[2] passenger experience. The Strategy sets out how the Transport Secretary wants to make travel simpler and more usable for a wider range of people, and aims to give ‘buyers in the public sector more confidence to purchase new, innovative technologies and services’.[3] The emphasis on accessibility and reliability raises opportunities for innovative businesses to become major stakeholders going forwards.
The Strategy proposes a more joined-up, digitally enabled transport system. Provided innovative companies can build the right relationships with local authorities, operators and transport partners, the strategy is a clear opportunity for, as the Strategy terms them, ‘entrepreneurs to make our transport system more responsive, more resilient and more sustainable’.[4] This is significant for companies working in:
- Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Digital Infrastructure
- Place-based solutions
Local government and delivery
Delivery under Better Connected will depend on collaboration between Central Government, local leaders and the private sector. Updated Local Transport Plan guidance has already been issued in line with the strategy,[5] meaning local authorities are in the process of translating its priorities into plans and commissioning decisions.
At Brevia, we work at the intersection of policy, politics and public affairs. We help organisations navigate exactly these kinds of complex, multi-stakeholder environments, building the Government relationships, shaping the public narrative, and ensuring our clients are heard at the moments that matter most.
Discover how Brevia can help you and your organisation by contacting the Brevia Team on 020 7091 1650 or contact@brevia.co.uk
BREVIA CONSULTING PROVIDES STRAIGHTFORWARD POLITICAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS
[1] Department for Transport, Better Connected, 2 April 2026, link
[2] Department for Transport, Better Connected, 2 April 2026, link
[3] Department for Transport, Better Connected, 2 April 2026, link
[4] Department for Transport, Better Connected, 2 April 2026, link
[5] Department for Transport, Local transport plans, 2 April 2026, link
