The UK government has announced its intention to create a new transport strategy for England. The new strategy will connect up separate transport services and provide unified and joined-up services across the country, including in rural areas that often suffer irregular transportation.

Data will play a key role in the new transport strategy. It will be used to coordinate operational services, determine transport performance and patterns of local population requirements.

Development of the new strategy was announced by UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh in a speech given in Leeds. The new strategy would incorporate a people-first approach, and recognise the needs of different groups across separate providers and services.

The Transport Secretary said that the strategy will set out a clear vision for how transport across England can evolve over the next 10 years. It will aim for better, more seamless door-to-door journeys across the country.

The new strategy will be informed by successful urban mass transit projects such as Bee Network in Greater Manchester and Transport for London.

The Bee Network has integrated transport across Greater Manchester, one of the UK’s most populous regions, bringing together bus, metro and active travel within a single coordinated unit, sharing data and timetabling.

It will also draw inspiration for the French city of Dijon, which coordinates mass transit services across multiple transport modalities. The city has also created a single app that brings together every mode of transport – from bus to tram, car hire to bike hire, planning journeys to paying for parking.

The department is reforming its appraisal system to ensure that projects deliver better value for money and outcomes. This includes improving coordinated and joined-up public transport services to education and health facilities, as well as supporting healthier transport options.

The new strategy will also promote cycling and walking as the best choice for shorter journeys, and prioritise pavement repairs, safe crossing and cycle infrastructure where they are needed most.