The government has launched its national transport strategy - called Better Connected -  which will give local leaders more flexibility, control and long-term funding certainty to design more joined-up transport networks.

This will enable local leaders to replicate joined-up systems already in place in areas like Liverpool, London and Nottingham, where passengers travel seamlessly across the city on different transport while tapping their bank card as payment – without juggling multiple tickets or apps.  

The strategy also announces a new partnership with Google, allowing passengers across England to track their bus in real time through Google Maps. The service will be especially useful for passengers in rural areas where bus services are less frequent.  

The National Parking Platform will be expanded, allowing drivers to use any parking app across participating car parks, ending the frustrating experience of having to download a different app each time.  

Better Connected also announces a ‘Mini Switzerland’ pilot in the Peak District’s Hope Valley, backed by £6 million of government funding. Taking its name from best practice in European rural areas, the trial will test more frequent, reliable rural bus services timed to connect with arriving trains to support local communities and tourism.    

The government is also launching £40 million in new funding for local authorities to trial digital technologies to improve transport, reduce congestion and ease disruption.  

Alongside these new features, the government is also publishing new local transport plan guidance, giving local leaders clear blueprints for building joined-up transport, making the most of their funding and boosting local growth.

Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of the independent watchdog, Transport Focus, said: "Passengers have told us for years that complexity is one of the biggest barriers to using public transport. Having to juggle different tickets, apps and payment methods for a single journey is frustrating and puts people off leaving the car at home. It’s good to see a transport strategy so focussed on people.

"Tap-and-go travel, real-time bus tracking and better-connected services will make a genuine difference to people’s daily lives. We look forward to working with government and local leaders to make sure passengers see the benefits of these changes as quickly as possible."