Understanding the long-term impact on commuting trends and patterns is important. We are a region whose economy has always been closely integrated into the London economy from the long tradition of commuting into London from places such as Brighton and Dorking. Pre COVID-19 regular commuting had extended further afield to coastal towns such as Worthing, Newhaven and Shoreham. Local commuting patterns will also change. With the increasing evidence of the switch to sustainable transport and the desire to retain the air quality and carbon gains, public transport will still have an important role to play. A significant return to car would be disastrous for our economy, not to mention the environment.
Thirdly, social distancing impacts on transport capacity itself. The Coast to Capital's economy is particularly exposed in relation our key sectors of tourism, retail, hospitality, entertainment and culture. These sectors will be directly affected both by reduced propensity to travel and the transport network's capacity to transport people safely.
Most of these bring challenges but there are also clear opportunities as we look at our approach to recovery in the Coast to Capital area:
- Economic recovery in our towns - we are developing a 'Safe Towns' concept with Government which could be delivered first in the Coast to capital area and needs coordination with local transport networks.
- Attracting businesses out of London - developments within the region should become more attractive which has an impact on different models for local transport.
- Accelerating the move to sustainable transport - which is a key element for our approach going forward. It is clear there is a shift towards active travel from the announcement of £2 billion from government for walking and cycling.
Martin Harris, Coast to Capital Board member and transport sponsor reflects on these themes and his role as Managing Director at Brighton & Hove Bus Company and Metrobus:
"As a company we have an important enabling role in recovery, both socially and economically in a way that can be maintained. Whilst difficult, we are working hard to put in place what is needed to provide a level of service to those that need to get around. We are working to enable the level of growth, beyond just key workers, to become possible in the safest way. Dealing with capacity issues is our biggest challenge and travel demand management will be key.
In looking at recovery we are focused on sustaining our ambition toward modal shift, air quality improvement and carbon reduction. Alongside improved use of road space this is a hugely important opportunity.
We are committed to working with partners in the public and private sector and transport groups to deliver on our principles."
We will be in a continually evolving situation in relation to transport over at least the next two years as we respond to both the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19. As such, we will need greater agility in our strategies. Looking at relatively short time horizons and determining fixed solutions now is a risk. A longer term vision with greater flexibility than we might normally design in is going to be vital for some time to come.
Jonathan Sharrock,
Chief Executive at Coast to Capital
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