Race Equality Week (2nd-8th February 2026) is a UK‑wide campaign designed to unite organisations and individuals in tackling the barriers that prevent race equality at work and in wider society. The 2026 theme, #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs, underlines a simple but powerful truth: creating fair access, opportunity and inclusion requires collective action, not just from those affected by inequality, but from every sector shaping daily life, including transport.
For the Western Gateway Sub National Transport Body (STB), this message resonates deeply. Transport is not just about movement, it is about access to jobs, education, healthcare, community and opportunity. When the transport system does not work equitably, it is often people from minority ethnic backgrounds who face the biggest barriers.
As we recognise Race Equality Week, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the Western Gateway region’s transport networks are inclusive, accessible and fair for all.
Why race equality matters in transport
Research across the UK shows that race inequality persists in areas such as employment, access to public services, and institutional systems. Transport influences all of these. Addressing race equality in transport planning helps to:
- Improve access to employment and education
- Support inclusive economic growth
- Enhance safety and confidence in public spaces
- Strengthen community cohesion
- Ensure public investment benefits all communities fairly
- Ensure cultural awareness and inclusive public facing policies
Transport is therefore a key enabler of racial equality: when it is designed inclusively, it reduces inequalities rather than reinforcing them.
How Western Gateway STB is embedding equality into transport planning
Western Gateway’s priorities align strongly with the principles of Race Equality Week, especially our focus on accessible, decarbonised and people centred transport solutions. Much of our work directly supports fairer access for diverse communities across the region.
🚍 1. Improving public transport access for all
We are advancing projects that strengthen transport reliability, affordability and coverage, particularly in areas where communities experience transport disadvantage. Socially necessary transport services remain a priority nationally, and Western Gateway’s strategic planning supports local authorities to deliver them in a fair and inclusive way.
🚆 2. Better rail connectivity
Our ongoing work to improve corridors, modernise rail infrastructure, and support regional mass transit ambitions helps address inequalities by ensuring that more people regardless of background can reach education, employment and essential services.
🚗⚡3. Decarbonisation and affordable, equitable mobility
Low-carbon choices must be accessible, not exclusive. Through rural mobility pilots, EV charging forums and innovation programmes, we are working to ensure emerging technologies benefit all communities, not only those already advantaged.
📊 4. Embedding equality impact considerations across transport planning
We are committed to ensuring that diverse voices are included in conversations about future mobility. This includes:
- incorporating equality impact assessments into programme design
- using demographic and social data to inform decisions
- encouraging inclusive public engagement across diverse communities
- working with partners to identify where transport disadvantages persist
A transport network where everyone belongs
Race equality is not separate from transport planning, it is central to it. A fair transport system:
- expands opportunity
- strengthens communities
- builds trust
- supports economic inclusion
- ensures no one is left behind
We are proud to support Race Equality Week 2026 and its call to action,
At Western Gateway STB, we believe change is possible when transport is designed with people and equity at its core.
