Tees Valley Combined Authority has become an Associate Member of the influential Urban Transport Group.
The Urban Transport Group (UTG) is an organisation which promotes the interests of Britain’s largest urban areas on transport. Traditionally membership of the UTG has been made up of the large Passenger Transport Executives and Integrated Transport Authorities but the organisation is now extending membership to Combined Authority areas.
Cllr Bill Dixon, chair of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “As a Combined Authority with formal transport responsibilities, there are significant benefits in joining the Urban Transport Group.
“Our membership will ensure that we have a seat on the top table of influence on transport issues.
“We can also tap into a strong pool of expertise and experience as we face the challenge of improving transport services in our area. Working in partnership and sharing knowledge and expertise, we will help deliver our ambitious plans for better transport links across the Tees Valley.”
Tobyn Hughes chair of the Urban Transport Group, said: “I’m very pleased that the Tees Valley Combined Authority has now joined us as an associate member. Tees Valley has much to offer that we can learn from – for example on freight, given the rapid expansion of Teesport and the strengths of the local industrial economy.
“In turn we hope that we can share some of our individual and collective experience, including, for example, on how best to provide local bus services in the context of the new powers that we hope will flow from new buses legislation which is currently before parliament.
“This is a time of rapid change for urban transport authorities, from responding to technological transformation through to the devolution of more powers, and all at a time when funding is tight. It makes sense therefore for transport authorities to work together to tackle these challenges collectively where we can. We are therefore delighted that the Tees Valley Combined Authority will be doing just that, and in the process further strengthening the effectiveness of our network.’
Tees Valley Combined Authority is asking people across the region for their views on its ambitious transport plan. To find out more and give your views visit the website at www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/