Brighton & Hove: New 10-Year Transport Plan Aims to Transform City’s Infrastructure for Cleaner, Fairer, and More Accessible Travel by 2035

Published on December 4, 2025

On Thursday, 11th December, the Brighton & Hove City Cabinet will review a proposed 10-year transport strategy, known as Our City Transport Plan 2035. This long-term vision seeks to transform the city’s transport network, addressing key challenges such as reducing congestion, supporting zero-emission vehicles, and providing better public transport for all. The strategy includes a series of projects aimed at improving accessibility, maintaining infrastructure, and reducing carbon emissions, setting the stage for a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable transport system over the next decade.

Brighton & Hove, known for its vibrant culture and growing population, has long been in need of an ambitious transportation strategy. The Our City Transport Plan 2035 is a comprehensive response to these needs, as it outlines an integrated approach to future city travel. The plan is not just about improving how people get around but about improving the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Five Key Challenges Addressed by the 10-Year Transport Strategy

The plan identifies five core challenges that Brighton & Hove faces regarding its transport system:

1. Enabling Healthier, Active Lifestyles: The city is committed to creating a safer environment where residents can walk, cycle, and use public transport with greater ease.
2. Reducing Road Congestion: With the city’s roads often congested, improving traffic flow and reducing delays is a priority.
3. Supporting the Transition to Zero and Ultra-Low Emission Transport: Encouraging electric vehicles and low-emission alternatives is vital for reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
4. Creating an Inclusive Transport Network: Ensuring that transport is accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities and the elderly, is a fundamental objective.
5. Maintaining and Managing Roads Efficiently: Proper maintenance and management of infrastructure will ensure roads, pavements, and pathways are fit for future needs.

Objectives to Shape the Future of Brighton & Hove’s Transport

The plan includes six major objectives to guide the city’s transport system:

• Increase Public Transport Usage: Aiming for higher adoption rates of buses, trains, and trams, the plan seeks to make public transport a more attractive option.
• Support Zero Emission Transport: The city is dedicated to expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and encouraging sustainable modes of travel.
• Deliver a Safe, Inclusive, and Integrated System: Accessibility will be improved, ensuring that the entire transport network is safer and easier for everyone to use.
• Well-Maintained Streets and Pavements: The plan aims to ensure that streets and pavements are well-maintained, improving safety and ease of movement.
• Encourage Active Travel: A focus on walking and cycling, with the creation of better routes and facilities, will provide healthier travel options.
• Use of Technology: Leveraging digital solutions to improve the management and flow of traffic, as well as providing real-time travel information to users.

Listening to Local Feedback: A Public Consultation Process

The development of Our City Transport Plan 2035 was shaped by significant community engagement. A draft version of the plan was opened for public consultation, receiving over 500 responses from the local community. The consultation included workshops, exhibitions, and meetings with key stakeholders, including disabled groups, to ensure diverse voices were heard.

Feedback from residents and businesses revealed a strong desire for better-maintained streets, more affordable public transport, and improved facilities for walking, cycling, and wheelchair users. Many expressed concerns over the current state of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and the challenges of navigating through crowded streets.

• Key Feedback Points:
  • Strong support for improving public transport affordability
  • Focus on prioritizing walking and cycling routes
  • Desire for more sustainable, zero-emission transport options

Short-Term Deliverables and Immediate Actions

In addition to long-term goals, the Our City Transport Plan 2035 includes immediate actions to address urgent transport challenges:

• Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: The city will continue to install more charging points to support the transition to electric vehicles.
• Subsidizing Bus Fares: Efforts will be made to make public transport more affordable for residents by continuing to subsidize fares.
• Improving Active Travel Routes: Projects like Valley Gardens and A259 active travel improvements will continue, focusing on providing safe cycling and walking paths.
• Park & Ride Scheme: The city aims to implement a purpose-built Park & Ride facility, with plans for a Sussex Coast Mass Rapid Transit system to address the need for efficient travel into the city.

A Vision for Brighton & Hove’s Future Transport

Trevor Muten, the Cabinet Member for Transport and City Infrastructure, emphasized the vision for a cleaner, more efficient transport network in Brighton & Hove. The plan aims to ensure that the city’s transport system can support future growth while reducing its environmental impact. Muten’s comments reflect the city’s ambition to create a transport system that works for everyone, whether they’re a resident, business owner, or visitor.

As the city continues to grow, ensuring a sustainable transport network will play a key role in its success. The plan highlights how investment in infrastructure, technological innovation, and a commitment to cleaner transport options will provide a better travel experience for all.

Impact on Businesses and Tourists

The Our City Transport Plan 2035 will have significant implications for both local businesses and tourists visiting Brighton & Hove. By improving transport efficiency and accessibility, the city aims to make it easier for visitors to explore all that Brighton & Hove has to offer. This includes improved connections to popular tourist sites such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier, as well as better access to key business districts.

The emphasis on sustainable transport and improved public transport will make it more convenient and eco-friendly for visitors to navigate the city, enhancing the overall tourist experience.

Quick Travel Tips for Visitors to Brighton & Hove

• Use Public Transport: Brighton & Hove’s extensive bus network makes it easy to get around the city without a car.
• Walk or Cycle: The city’s new active travel routes make walking and cycling safer and more enjoyable.
• Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid traffic congestion, try to visit during off-peak hours.
• Charge Your Electric Vehicle: Take advantage of the growing number of electric vehicle charging points throughout the city.
• Check Real-Time Travel Info: Stay informed on traffic and public transport updates through digital solutions offered by the city.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated