Attending the CIHT North East & Cumbria Future Transport Conference at St James’s Park was a valuable and thought-provoking experience. With over 200 professionals from across the region, the event offered a packed agenda that explored how transport networks are evolving to become cleaner, fairer, and more connected. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet others in the sector and hear directly from those driving innovation and delivery across the North East and Cumbria.

The day kicked off with regional strategy updates from the two Combined Authorities. It was encouraging to hear how significant investment is being channelled into rail, Metro extensions, and active travel schemes. From reduced fares to safer and more inclusive transport networks, the focus on designing systems that work for all stood out. The commitment to safety and accessibility, especially for women, girls, and disabled users, was a recurring theme throughout the sessions.

Technical sessions that followed covered a wide range of topics. From decarbonisation modelling and the DARE Hub’s work on climate resilience, to the structured support offered by Active Travel England, these presentations brought research and policy together in a practical way. There was also a detailed look at the ambitious Metro extension to Washington, which aims to improve regional connectivity while addressing engineering and environmental challenges.

One session that particularly resonated was the focus on gender-inclusive design. It highlighted how traditional planning can overlook perceived safety and why design needs to account for real-life user experiences from the outset. Tools like Safety and Inclusion Assessments were discussed as key to creating transport systems that genuinely serve everyone.

The importance of joining up spatial and transport planning was another strong message. We were encouraged to shift from predict-and-provide models to vision-led development, aligning transport investment with housing and employment from the earliest stages. This integrated thinking is clearly gaining traction and felt essential to delivering liveable, future-ready communities.

Afternoon case studies brought these principles to life. Projects like the new footbridge in Sunderland, the coastal route upgrade in North Tyneside, and Carlisle’s high street regeneration showed how design, community engagement, and sustainability can be embedded into delivery. Each project provided real-world examples of inclusive, impactful infrastructure that’s already making a difference.

Digital innovation was another highlight, with sessions exploring AI, data-driven planning, and digital twins. From bus journey time improvements to autonomous vehicle pilots, the message was clear, technology must serve people, and data should guide smarter, faster decision-making. It was exciting to see the region at the forefront of trialling these advancements.

The final sessions on monitoring and evaluation showed how local authorities are using AI-powered tools to support active travel programmes. Real-time data and visual dashboards are enabling more responsive and evidence-based delivery, supporting future bids and measuring real-world outcomes.

Overall, the conference demonstrated the scale of ambition in the region and the practical steps already being taken. Whether through infrastructure investment, inclusive planning, or digital transformation, the future of transport in the North East and Cumbria is clearly focused on people, resilience, and long-term impact. A brilliant day of learning and inspiration.