Festive Reflections: A Christmas Special with Transport Leaders

In a special extended episode of Lunch with Leon, three of the transport industry's most insightful voices gather for an end-of-year reflection that spans from local infrastructure challenges to global transport innovations. Sharon Kindleysides (Secretary General of CILT International), Christian Wolmar (renowned transport journalist and author), and Steve Gooding (Chief Executive of the RAC Foundation) join Leon Daniels for a wide-ranging discussion that captures the key transport moments of 2024.

The conversation opens with a candid assessment of transport policy under the current government. Christian Wolmar shares his initial optimism about Labour's approach to transport policy, particularly their recognition of transport's role in broader social outcomes like health. However, he notes that recent budget decisions, including the continued freeze on fuel duty and increases in bus and rail fares, suggest a gap between rhetoric and action.

A significant portion of the discussion centres on major infrastructure projects, with HS2 the focal point. The panel explores the complexities of British infrastructure development, comparing our approach to those of other nations. The conversation reveals how UK projects often face unique challenges, from extensive consultation requirements to manufacturing capacity limitations, exposing the need for better strategy and planning for national infrastructure projects.

Fresh from Japan, Christian Wolmar explores Tokyo's transport system, where 40 million daily journeys operate with clockwork precision. This international perspective extends through Sharon Kindleysides' observations from Southeast Asia, drawing comparisons with challenges in the UK.

Steve Gooding leads the way in discussing the increasing challenges facing UK infrastructure, particularly in light of climate change. The discussion explores how heavier rainfall, combined with aging infrastructure and changing material quality is a real problem for both road and rail networks.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion about artificial intelligence's role in transport. While acknowledging AI's potential benefits in areas like data processing and operational efficiency, Leon’s lunch guests emphasise the importance of viewing AI as a tool to enhance rather than replace human capabilities in transport systems.

This special episode needed a longer lunch reservation, taking just under an hour to dissect the hot topics in UK transport. The discussion finishes on a funny note – an AI-generated country and western song about the guests leaves plenty of laughs. To listen to the full episode of this Lunch with Leon, click here.