New name to reflect our wider role

28 October 2014

A new voice and making a difference for many road users – that is the promise from independent consumer champion Passenger Focus as it prepares to become Transport Focus.

Parliament will discuss an expanded remit for the organisation next week, as part of the Infrastructure Bill. The organisation would represent all those who use the motorways and certain A roads in England – including motorists and business users as well as those who walk or cycle on the network.

This would sit alongside continued work to represent and make a difference for rail, bus, coach and tram passengers.

In order to reflect the added responsibility, the organisation will be called Transport Focus. Transport Focus will use the names Transport Focus – passengers and Transport Focus – road users to differentiate the strands of work.

This change, which would take place as part of the Infrastructure Bill*, comes as Government seeks to reform the way strategic roads (motorways and designated A or ‘trunk’ roads) operated by the Highways Agency are planned and run.

Chief Executive Anthony Smith said:
“We are pleased to be asked to take on this extension of our remit, which makes sense as we have a strong record of using evidence to make a difference for public transport passengers.

“We will now take this expertise and aim to help those using the strategic road network in England, including for freight as well as personal or business journeys. Passenger Focus remains fully committed to its work on rail, bus, coach and tram passenger issues.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Passenger Focus is the independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally and bus, coach and tram users across England outside London.

Passenger Focus has represented transport users for over sixty years, and looks to bring its expertise from supporting users of public transport to shape the debate over roads. The organisation will receive new legal powers and additional funding, to ensure that it is able to continue the high level of service for passengers.

*The Infrastructure Bill, which would lead to this change if passed in April 2015, also sets out how the Highways Agency would become a Government-owned company, monitored by a unit that will sit within the existing Office of Rail Regulation. The Department for Transport today publishes its Transparency for Roads document, outlining the changes it proposes for the Highways Agency, Passenger Focus and the rail regulator.

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