Rethinking programme
Exploring bold ideas and innovative approaches to reshape the future of integrated, sustainable, and connected transport systems
PILLAR PARTNER
3 March, Day 1
Session 1: 14.45-15.45
➜ Interchange 1 Theatre
Towards the era of automated mobility
Exploring the imminent arrival of connected and autonomous vehicles through UK trials and their potential to transform mobility services. We’ll discuss deploying digital in the right place and time, the role of self-driving vehicles in place-based transformation, and the capabilities required within Combined Authorities and LTAs.
Moderator: Jenny Millard, Associate Director for Future Mobility and Sustainability, KPMG
Chris Lane, Head of Transport Innovation, Transport for West Midlands
Jamie Hodsdon, Policy Manager for UK & Western Europe, Waymo
Dr Arun Ulahannan, Assistant Professor, Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities, Coventry University
Rob Ojediran, Management Consultant, KPMG
Session 2: 16.15-17.15
➜ Interchange 2 Theatre
Rethinking freight and logistics corridors
This session explores the pivotal role of ports and logistics companies in seamless, end-to-end supply chains for manufacturing, distribution and retail. We’ll share private-sector lessons, highlight rail freight opportunities, optimise multimodal and cross-border flows, and examine practical decarbonisation strategies to cut emissions while improving resilience nationwide.
Moderator: David Hytch, Director, Park Gate Consultants
Ashton Cull, Senior Public Affairs Lead, RHA
Sameer Savani, Managing Director of Transport, Connected Places Catapult
PILLAR PARTNER
4 March, Day 2
Session 3: 11.15-12.15
➜ Interchange 3 Theatre
Unlocking the potential of integrated settlements
What further devolution is needed to enable evolved systems thinking and resource allocation. This session considers how new governance arrangements will shape investment, coordination, and long-term planning capacity—and explores practical pathways to ensure non-devolved areas aren’t left behind.
Confirmed and invited speakers include
Moderator: Thomas Ableman, founder, Freewheeling
Chris Barnes, Network Director, Infrastructure, Transport for Greater Manchester
Andrew McIntosh, Director of Place, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Helen Ellerton, Head of Transport Policy, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Leanne Smith-Perrins, Transformation Advisory, Head of Service, WSP
Adam Mason, Director Infrastructure Strategy and Funding, KPMG
Session 4: 13.15-14.15
➜ Interchange 3 Theatre
Bus and rail reform in the era of devolution
What are the opportunities from rail devolution and bus franchising? How are the evolving regulatory frameworks unlocking better service quality, stronger local accountability, and more integrated network outcomes for passengers.
Moderator: Thomas Ableman, founder, Freewheeling
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester and Chair, Transport for Wales
Andrew Summers, Chief Executive, Transport East
Alex Hynes, Chief Executive, DfT Operations
Bruce Kiloh, Head of Transport Planning, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
Anne Marie Purcell, founder Purcell Advisory
Session 5: 14.45-15.45
➜ Interchange 3 Theatre
Putting the focus on people in place-based planning
How do we rethink planning frameworks to put people first, broadening outcomes from mobility interventions by aligning with human needs. How do we add a strong inclusion dimension within placemaking strategies, and for instance, 15-minute cities.
Moderator: Thomas Ableman, founder, Freewheeling
Dr David Watkins, co-chair of the Transport & Health Science Group
Ben Plowden, Campaign for Better Transport
Stephen Cragg, Head of Appraisal and Model Development, Transport Scotland