A new national transport strategy aims to give local authorities greater powers to deliver seamless, contactless ‘tap-and-go’ travel across buses, trains and trams in England.

Announced by the Department for Transport, the ‘Better Connected’ strategy sets out plans to simplify journeys and improve coordination between transport modes.

Local leaders will be supported to replicate integrated systems already operating in cities such as London, Liverpool and Nottingham, where passengers can travel across multiple modes using a single payment method.

The Government has also committed £40m to help authorities trial digital technologies aimed at reducing congestion and improving reliability.

Additional measures include enhanced real-time travel information and initiatives to streamline parking payments.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: ‘People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey.

‘That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers to build transport networks that are simpler, more accessible and better connected, improving everyday journeys and supporting growth in every corner of the country.’

David Shepherd, chair of the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) Transport and Connectivity Board, said: ‘Local authorities are committed to creating connected transport networks and have a shared desire to make technology work for people, passengers and place.

‘The Better Connected integrated transport strategy sets out a national framework for achieving this, providing the right powers, funding and technical backing from the government to make that a reality.’

An LGA spokesperson welcomed the announcement, adding: ‘Councils recognise the importance of integrated and better connected transport services for residents and to support local economies.’

However, they cautioned: ‘Sufficient and long-term funding certainty for local transport and highways services is vital to ensure that councils can provide resilient and modern infrastructure to support better connectivity and innovation.’