Regional Transport Board

The core transport related activities of the Assembly are carried out by the Regional Transport Board. This is the key forum for discussing and deciding regional transport policies and priorities.

What does it do?

The Regional Transport Board:

• Provides leadership for the transport agenda at regional level;
• Prepares and reviews the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) element of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan – for (and in liaison with) the Regional Planning Board;
• Provides advice on the region’s transport investment priorities;
• Works to ensure that the RTS element of the Yorkshire and Humber Plan and regional transport priorities are implemented and delivered effectively;
• Secures a strategic fit between regional, city/sub regional and local strategies in relation to transport;
• Works with partners to maximise funding for transport in line with regional strategic priorities; and
• Influences and lobbies Government and other national/regional agencies to ensure that national policy and investment priorities on transport fully reflect the needs of our region.
  

Over the past year, the Regional Transport Board has...

• Agreed the ‘transport’ response to the Secretary of State’s proposed changes to the RSS;
• Drawn up responses to key transport consultations by Government and Network Rail;
• Concluded a study with the Sustainable Development Board on low carbon/ sustainable transport; and
• Undertaken a mini-review of the regional funding priorities for transport, and as a result endorsed 10 schemes to Government Ministers for funding – schemes worth more than £170 million in total.

What are the priorities for this year?

• To undertake a review of transport funding priorities as part of the Regional Funding Allocations process;
• To provide advice to Government Ministers and formulate the region’s response to Government consultations on transport issues and policy;
• To work with the Regional Planning Board on the 2009 Update of the Regional Spatial Strategy; and
• To continue to develop the region’s evidence base on transport issues and opportunities facing the region.

How does it work?

The Regional Transport Board is accountable directly to the Regional Executive Board for delivery of the Regional Transport Strategy. It is responsible for building and maintaining good and productive relationships with bodies and organisations in the region responsible for transport, including working with the Regional Transport Forum that engages all local authorities and a wide range of regional partners.

The Regional Transport Board has effective senior level relationships with Yorkshire Forward, Government Office Yorkshire and Humber and a range of other government and other sponsored bodies and organisations providing services related to transport (and with an impact on RTS) in the region.

It has effective relationships beyond the region working across the North of England, with the other English Regions, with national Government and with European and International bodies and institutions in relation to the delivery of transport infrastructure and services.

How often does it meet?

The Regional Transport Board normally meets four times a year. All meeting agendas, papers and minutes are available from the Assembly’s website.

Who's involved

The Chair and Deputy Chair are members of the Assembly, one is a Local Authority member and the other is a Social, Economic and Environmental Partner member. The Chair of the Board for 2008/09 is Cllr Mark Kirk. The other members of the Board are not necessarily Assembly members and represent a range of organisations with an interest in transport in the region. These include local authority representatives nominated by the sub region and city region partnerships and the two Passenger Transport Authorities.

Who supports the Board at the Assembly?

The Regional Transport Board is supported in its work by an officer team led by Head of Planning Strategy, Richard Wood. A Technical Advisory Group made up of officers from a range of bodies with expertise in transport matters, also supports the work of the Board.

For more information or a list of current members, contact the Assembly.