Government is committed to ‘levelling up’, so that every corner of the country can benefit and share in future prosperity. Transport connectivity is an essential input into the efficient functioning of markets, reducing the costs of doing business and supporting linkages between key sectors of the economy. More efficient and faster delivery of major projects are fundamental to job creation and so a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. We are therefore enhancing the national strategic transport network, shifting the focus of DfT investment towards major projects that link the towns, cities and left behind places outside of London and the South East.
Key areas of focus are:
• More productive cities and towns
• Support local growth and regeneration
• Support jobs and skills
• Improve networks between major economic centres, and with international gateways
• Strengthening the Union
Delivery of major programmes such as HS2, the Integrated Rail Plan, TransPennine Route Upgrade, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the Roads Investment Strategy are fundamental to job creation and a key lever for economic growth and our recovery from Covid-19. Further commitments are outlined in the UK R&D Place Strategy which is being published this year as part of the UK R&D Roadmap. The research and evidence needs set out below are critical to supporting DfT deliver these major programmes and key areas of focus to grow and level up the economy.
Get in touch with BridgetoResearch@dft.gov.uk
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
This project will use full size, 12m, single deck buses operating at Level 4 autonomy, providing a pilot bus service, 24/7, in all weathers, using a 14mile each way route across the Forth bridges to Edinburgh. This exci...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: FUSION PROCESSING LTD
The project involves the use of autonomous vehicles on a specific transport route, which directly addresses the question of using autonomous vehicle shuttles on legacy transport.
Building on an existing proven business case for a Metro route in the West Midlands, this project will develop an independently verified case for a segregated transit corridor by substituting the initial light rail solut...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Lead research organisation: WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY
The project is relevant as it directly addresses the question by proposing a solution for replacing traditional rail transport with autonomous vehicle shuttles.
LivingLAPT aims to deliver sustainable driverless shuttle/logistics services among various European cities. This will be achieved through a robust transnational safety framework as well as promoting user acceptance and t...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Lead research organisation: RICHMOND DESIGN & MARKETING LIMITED
The project focuses on delivering sustainable driverless shuttle services, which directly relates to the question about using autonomous vehicle shuttles on legacy transport.