Overview

Introducing the Transport Group:

The Transport Group provides a regular independent forum for senior strategists and policy-makers to discuss and analyse developments that affect the transport sector. Briefings are provided on key issues and future developments across the transport sector, and the group is addressed by high-profile guest speakers. The diversity and seniority of the group's membership makes for lively discussion and encourages delegates to debate the implications of developments across the rail, bus, road, freight, airport and port sectors.

At each meeting, 4 speakers address the group for 30 minutes followed by 30 minutes of discussion under the Chatham House Rule. This provides an excellent opportunity for members to gain a strong feel for the policy, regulatory and economic climate and use this as a basis for business decisions.

Members of the group, past and present, include representatives from:

Angel Trains, Arriva, Association of Train Operating Companies, BAA, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Go-Ahead Group, HSBC Rail, National Express Group, Office of Rail Regulation, Osborne Clarke, Rail Freight Group, Reading Transport, Shearman & Sterling, Thames Travel, Transdev, Translink, Transport for London

To preserve the select nature of the group, membership is by invitation only.

In 2009, the Transport Group will focus on the following issues critical to the transport sector:

• The challenge of carbon abatement and creating sustainable transport systems
• Initiatives to improve local transport policy by local, central and European governmental bodies
• Meeting the capacity challenge: planning roads and railways for future growth
• Creating adequate surface access to ports and airports
• Developing improved ticketing technologies
• Changes in the rail market and the franchise system
• Innovation in fares policy