JMP Consulting, supported by independent consultant Reg Harman and the Institute for Transport Studies at Leeds University has been commissioned by the Passenger Transport Executive Group to prepare a report on the UK’s City Regions and the role that rail plays in supporting them.

Our major regional cities are home to over 13 million people and they play a crucial role in the economy of the UK. There is evidence from other countries around the world that demonstrate how strong regional cities support their capital city and add more power to the national economy.

Our City Regions depend upon their public transport systems, which in our largest conurbations are planned, although not operated by, a Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) and Executive (PTE). With 137 million rail trips per year in the PTE areas, almost twice the number carried by inter-city operators, rail is an important part of that public transport mix.

In fact the story of rail in the PTE areas has been one of major successes. Investment over the last twenty years has brought with it significant growth in passenger numbers – with the use of some networks doubling.