Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make a comparative estimate of the cost per mile of new (a) busways, (b) ultra light rail and (c) conventional train systems.

The estimated costs per mile for new local transportation infrastructure in England can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including specific project conditions and requirements, geography, urban density, and land values.

Responsibility for local transport is largely devolved in England, where each local authority is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its network. This includes for upgrades and any potential extensions to existing busways and light rail systems.

Local authorities are best place to identify possible opportunities and the potential benefits of local transport schemes.  The Department encourages local authorities to take a mode neutral approach to local transport, and works alongside them to ensure the development of proportionate solutions to local transport issues.

Rail project costs also vary significantly from project to project based on type of project, scale of intervention, geography and supply chain status.