Ageing urban populations, rapid bus passenger decline and huge growth in private hire vehicles are just some of the dramatic shifts taking place in UK cities, a new report from lobby group Urban Transport Group (UTG) reveals.
The report – Number crunch: Transport trends in the city regions – identifies some of the most defining patterns of the past decade (and projected future trends) that are changing the face of the UK’s city regions and the way that people travel within them.
Drawing on data from the Urban Transport Group’s unique, free and interactive online tool ‘Data Hub’, the report also looks at the wider context for these changes such as population growth and economic performance.
It says key city region trends include:
– Shift to rail. Regional patronage has grown by 36%
– Future shock. Private hire vehicles soared by 41% and faster still in London.
– Bigger but older. Populations are forecast to grow faster than elsewhere, but also to age.
– Bus troubles. Travel decline by 11% outside London.
UTG Chair Tobyn Hughes says: “We need stronger, more coordinated and integrated transport planning in urban areas if our cities are to thrive.”
Other trends include that people are travelling less often, cycling levels remain low but investment boosts numbers and van traffic is increasing and forecast to increase further.
Read the report here
