Overview

Introducing the Transport Group:

The Transport Group provides a regular independent forum for senior managers and policy-makers to discuss and analyse policy 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.

Speakers generally 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 include representatives from:

Angel Trains, Arriva Trains UK, Association of Train Operating Companies, BAA, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Go-Ahead Group, HSBC Rail, National Express Group, Office of Rail Regulation, 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 2008, the Transport Group will focus on the following issues critical to the transport sector:

• The challenge of carbon abatement and creating sustainable transport systems
• Central and local government initiatives to improve local transport policy
• Creating adequate surface access to ports and airports
• Changes in the rail market and the franchise system
• Innovation in fares policy
• Meeting the capacity challenge: planning roads and railways for future growth