Looking back at the Better Transport Conference 2024
On a sunny Friday in June, hundreds of inspiring people gathered together in London for the first Better Transport Conference sponsored by SYSTRA. At the end of the second annual Better Transport Week, this conference was a new venture for us, a big undertaking for our fairly small team, and a pleasure to design. We dreamed of a transport conference like no other. And, I think, that’s what it was.
The venue itself was symbolic: King’s College, sandwiched between the river Thames and the Strand Aldwych development, perhaps the most significant pedestrianisation in central London since Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery were connected, and with London’s last cross-river tram line, the amazing Kingsway tunnel, directly beneath us.
We have been reading some lovely testimonials, and people have said things like it was “exciting and inspiring”, brought “real passion” and “was a joy to attend”, thanks in part to being “open to the public as well as us more set in our ways industry professionals”. Key to this, and at the heart in so many ways as we work for a better future with transport at its heart, was the contributions from the young people, both in a special focus group for young people and in a ‘live podcast’, featuring a member of the amazing Transport for London Youth Panel.
Remarkably, many conference attendees were not aware of the Youth Panel and were delighted to hear from them, so it was deeply moving to hear that the feeling was very much mutual, as Youth Panel member Amir Dawoodbhai told us:
“We were inspired by the dynamic exchange of ideas and the palpable dedication to making equitable mobility a reality in the UK….Campaign for Better Transport’s relentless pursuit of a better, more inclusive transport future reminds us of what makes our advocacy so rewarding.”
The future, if is in their hands, is bright indeed.
Does this all sound a bit gushing? If so, I don’t mind. It was our first, and we will be developing lots of improvements already for next year, but the day was genuinely remarkable for the range of topics covered, the range of stakeholders represented and, most importantly, the range of people who were there. I believe deeply and passionately that one of the most wonderful things about transport is that not only does it take people to places, improve our environment and add life to our communities, but that it brings people together to share a ride, a journey, even a moan, a smile. To share. And the sense of connection, learning, discovery and simple open-hearted sharing was palpable and immensely heartening.
So what was discussed throughout the day? We began the day reflecting on the year 2024 and its potential significance for transport, covering everything from rail reform to local infrastructure, funding and political rhetoric vs action. There followed three parallel streams over three sessions. The first morning sessions explored challenges and opportunities for international rail from the UK, local transport policy, funding and infrastructure, and our approach to the past as transport people, often an awkward relationship. The second set of morning sessions covered delivery and logistics, including rail freight and last mile, the health impact of transport and how to address challenges and messaging in that space, and the Young People’s Live Focus Group, which was undoubtedly a highlight for many attendees.
Generous networking breaks were built in and were appreciated, and in the afternoon the three streams covered shared transport, rural transport and the significance of transport advocacy and enthusiasm for and from non-experts with a ‘live podcast’ exploring implications for policy, positive engagement and behaviour change, hosted by myself and the brilliant Pete Dyson, whose Transport for Humans (co-authored with Rory Sutherland) should absolutely be a go-to text for industry, campaigners and anyone with an interest in transport, behavioural science and improving society. The day was rounded off with a superb closing panel looking to the future, exploring bold visions for a ‘better transport future’ with one of many superb expert panels. Well, strictly speaking the day was rounded off with a wonderful reception on the roof of Bush House, from where we could nearly see the Kingsway tunnel!
We’ll be back, and we’ll be better, but now is time to take stock and be very grateful for all in our team and all involved in making this happen. This is what we are capable of doing with our unique reach across industry, policy, and our public impact, but it also felt like it was created in real time by everybody there. It was outward-facing, collaborative and joyfully energised. Our thanks go most sincerely to all who came, all who spoke, those who sponsored (making it free for everyone!), and all who asked questions, had conversations and shared so much in one day.
Photo: Devin Ainslie
