The Government has published a transport resilience strategy containing 22 commitments intended to help Britain's transport system withstand disruption over the next five to ten years.
Government warns disruption can spread across networks
Transport minister Keir Mather confirmed the publication in a written statement to the House of Commons on 2 November 2026. The Department for Transport says the interconnected nature of transport means disruption in one location can have consequences elsewhere. The strategy aims to improve understanding of risks, reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen preparedness.
What does the 22-point plan cover?
The strategy sets three broad objectives: continually assessing transport resilience so resources can be targeted; enabling transport operators, users and local partners to take action; and strengthening government resilience capabilities. Its practical measures include better risk assessment, horizon scanning, exercises and local collaboration.
Transport Resilience Academy
The Government has committed to a tailored training initiative called the Transport Resilience Academy. It is intended to help operators and local partners develop the knowledge and capabilities needed to prepare for and respond to disruption. The minister emphasised that technology and infrastructure must be supported by trained people.
Sector-wide resilience network
A new transport resilience network will help organisations share evidence, experience and good practice. The Department for Transport wants closer cooperation between operators, local partners and other sectors with which transport services are connected.
What does this mean for passengers?
The measures are intended to reduce vulnerabilities and lessen the impact of disruption. They do not guarantee an immediate reduction in delays or cancellations. The strategy is a five-to-ten-year programme, and the ministerial statement does not provide a single quantified reduction in delays or a guaranteed financial saving.
What happens next?
The Department for Transport will work with transport operators and local partners to implement the commitments. Progress will depend on the practical delivery of training, networks, assessments and exercises. The 22 commitments are policy intentions, not measures that have all been completed.
Sources
Department for Transport, Transport resilience strategy (2 November 2026): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-resilience-strategy Keir Mather MP, Building transport resilience, written ministerial statement (2 November 2026): https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/building-transport-resilience