England’s new transport plan will bring real-time bus tracking to Google Maps – and introduce contactless travel across all trains, trams and buses

Millions of passengers across England are set to benefit from simpler, more affordable and better-integrated journeys, as the UK Government launches its new Better Connected national transport strategy.

The initiative promises to make everyday travel smoother by expanding contactless, “tap-and-go” ticketing systems across trains, trams and buses, giving local leaders the power and funding to join up regional transport networks.

Tap-and-go travel across trains, trams and buses announced 

The expanded contactless system takes inspiration from successful models already operating in London, Liverpool and Nottingham, where passengers can tap their bank cards once to travel across different modes of transport without juggling multiple tickets or apps.

Backed by more than 40 fully funded commitments, Better Connected forms part of a nationwide effort to simplify travel, improve reliability and offer better value for money.

It builds on recent measures to ease commuting costs, such as the national rail fare freeze, the £2 bus fare cap and the continued freeze on fuel duty.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the strategy aims to empower communities to reshape local networks for modern needs:

“People want journeys that are easy and reliable. They want to get off a train and straight onto a bus without confusion or extra costs. That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers and certainty they need to create simpler, more accessible and better-connected networks.”

Passengers across England to track their bus in real time through Google Maps

A key announcement within the strategy is a new collaboration with Google Maps, which will allow real-time tracking of rural bus services across England. This upgrade is expected to be particularly valuable for passengers in areas where buses run less frequently.

Motorists will also benefit from the National Parking Platform rollout, ending the “car app chaos” by standardising payments across participating car parks so drivers can use a single app anywhere.

Another major highlight is the ‘Mini-Switzerland’ pilot in the Peak District’s Hope Valley, backed by £6 million in government funding.

The project modelled on efficient European alpine systems will test more frequent and better-timed rural bus and train connections to support tourism and local communities.

The Government’s new guidance for Local Transport Plans gives councils and transport bodies blueprints for designing integrated, cost-effective networks that meet community needs.

To encourage digital innovation, a further £40 million will fund regional trials of new technologies aimed at reducing congestion, improving reliability and cutting disruption.

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