We produce a wide range of publications and technical studies, which form part of our Regional Evidence Base. Our Transport Strategy, Connectivity Studies, and Connecting Economies documents are presented at the top, scroll down for individual publications - you can also search for them, too.
EEH’s Transport Strategy, 'Connecting People, Transforming Journeys' was submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport in February 2021, enabling the region’s priorities to shape investment decisions going forwards, as well as being the foundation for EEH to work with its local, regional and national partners.
The strategy was developed by EEH’s political and business leaders, informed by a robust body of technical evidence and the Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (please section at bottom of this page for ISA documentation), and shaped by two rounds of public engagement with its partners, stakeholders, residents and businesses, ensuring it represents the priorities of the region.
EEH’s connectivity studies provide an evidence base that shows what the most effective connectivity solutions are for key corridors across the region. The evidence captured will be used to shape investment proposals going forward, through EEH or in support of individual local authorities’ priorities. The studies are guided by the policies set out in the EEH transport strategy and steered by our local authority partners.
The Connecting Economies brochures provide an accessible compendium of economic evidence and potential interventions, which can be used to make the case for improved connectivity and infrastructure (published 2024).
Outlines strategies to attract private sector investment in Mobility Hubs across England’s Economic Heartland by proposing scalable, monetisable, and low-risk delivery models—such as aggregated portfolios and Special Purpose Vehicles—to align public benefit with commercial viability.
Quantifies the economic, social, and environmental value of local bus services across the region. Bus passengers contribute over £2.6 billion to local economies, with wider benefits—such as reduced congestion and improved health—valued at nearly £1 billion.
Our annual report summarises the work which has been done during the year, and also includes key financial information.
The report outlines how East West Rail (EWR) can be a transformative catalyst for the region, benefits extending beyond transport to drive innovation, investment, skills, sustainability, and quality of life improvements. It sets out a “corridor of corridors” approach—integrating digital, nature, tourism, and active travel networks.
an interim report on the implementation and impact of smart junctions. It likely details the progress, findings, and ongoing work related to this initiative, which aims to optimise traffic flow and improve transport efficiency, probably within the England's Economic Heartland region.
The case for restoring rail connections between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford. It details the potential economic, social, and environmental benefits of such a reinstatement, including improved connectivity, reduced road congestion, and support for regional growth within England's Economic Heartland and surrounding areas. A key step towards realising a coast-to-coast East West Main Line.
A detailed argument for establishing or improving a rail connection between Northampton and Old Oak Common. It likely outlines the strategic importance of this link for enhancing connectivity, supporting economic development, and providing benefits for passengers and freight movement, particularly within the context of wider transport networks such as HS2.
Outlines a proposal to double train frequency on the North Cotswold Line between Oxford and Worcester, supporting economic growth, housing development, and better integration with East West Rail through modest infrastructure upgrades.
Explores legislative options and structural models—Enhanced Partnerships, franchising, and municipalisation—for reforming bus services across England’s Economic Heartland, recommending a flexible, locally tailored approach to improve connectivity, service quality, and long-term sustainability through cross-boundary collaboration and innovative delivery mechanisms.
Outlines how Enhanced Partnerships (EPs) are strengthening collaboration between local transport authorities and bus operators across the Wider South East, while calling for simplified processes, long-term funding certainty, rural service support, and integrated transport policies to maximise the impact of EPs and improve bus services regionally.
Evaluates bus network delivery models, recommending a hybrid approach combining the Heartbeat regional bus lines, hub-and-spoke systems, demand-responsive transport, and community services—supported by modal integration, technology, and mobility hubs—to create a sustainable, inclusive, and efficient transport network.
The Heartbeat Network proposes a region-wide enhancement of interurban bus and coach services across England’s Economic Heartland, aiming to improve connectivity, support economic growth, and complement rail infrastructure through more frequent, reliable, and integrated public transport links.
Explores the potential of a Total Transport model—integrating local authority and NHS transport services—to deliver cost savings, service improvements, and operational efficiencies across England’s Economic Heartland, recommending a data-driven, digitally enabled, and risk-free evaluation approach supported by leadership, collaboration, and transformation planning.
Sets out a narrative for how East West Rail will improve quality of life for people and communities in the region.
Highlights the critical role of Ely in Britain's rail freight network, specifically the Felixstowe to the Midlands and the North (F2MN) corridor. It argues for the necessity of capacity improvements in and around Ely to overcome existing limitations (single track sections, restricted speeds, signaling issues, level crossings) that currently force goods to be transported by HGVs, leading to congestion and increased emissions. The Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) Programme, proposed by Network Rail, aims to boost rail capacity, reduce HGV journeys, cut carbon emissions, support economic growth in the Midlands and North, and enhance passenger services, while also supporting government initiatives like freeports
Brochure which accompanied EEH's 2024 Bus Symposium event, setting out key stats, information and potential work areas
This study sets out England’s Economic Heartland’s strategic vision for improving main line rail across the region, identifying nine priority packages to enhance connectivity, accessibility, sustainable growth, and decarbonisation across key corridors and hubs.
Our annual report summarises the work which has been done during the year, and also includes key financial information.
Defines 83 strategic rail objectives across seven main lines in England’s Economic Heartland, aligning with EEH’s goals of decarbonisation, connectivity, inclusivity, and efficient movement of people and goods, with a strong emphasis on integrating East West Rail and enhancing multimodal hubs, freight capacity, and regional accessibility.
The Electric Vehicle Insight Study finds that while Charge Point Operators are ready to invest in EV infrastructure, local authorities face significant barriers—especially in rural areas—due to limited strategies, procurement challenges, and lack of resources, highlighting the need for stronger public-private collaboration and targeted support
The EEH Active Travel Strategy Phase 2 sets out a cross-boundary, data-led plan to increase walking, cycling, and wheeling across the region by identifying priority corridors, setting ambitious mode share targets to 2050, and supporting local authorities with integrated, inclusive infrastructure and multimodal connectivity.
Our annual report summarises the work which has been done during the year, and also includes key financial information.
Analysis of survey of over 7,000 people in the EEH region, which revealed that while many rate local bus services positively, key barriers to increased usage include journey times, cost, and reliability—especially among younger people who show greater willingness to use buses if services improve and integrated ticketing is introduced.
An overview and update on the development and implementation of mobility hubs within England's Economic Heartland. It likely discusses the strategic approach, progress, and future plans for these hubs, aiming to integrate various transport modes and enhance connectivity across the region for sustainable and efficient travel.
Sets out the strategic narrative for delivering the full rail link between Oxford and Cambridge, including the link to Aylesbury, highlighting its potential to transform connectivity, drive economic growth, support sustainable communities, improve access to skills and jobs, and help achieve net zero targets
Outlines a strategic vision and assessment by Sustrans and England’s Economic Heartland to transform the 200km Oxford–Cambridge Varsity Way into a high-quality, accessible greenway for walking, cycling, and wheeling, enhancing local and regional connectivity, supporting active travel, and integrating with East West Rail.
The following document advocates strongly for the full delivery of the East West Rail project to Cambridge, including the Aylesbury link. It suggests that East West Rail is a vital infrastructure project for the UK's economic future, designed to transform regional rail travel by enhancing connectivity and reducing journey times. The report highlights the project's potential to unlock economic growth, foster innovation by connecting academic and business hubs as well as create employment opportunities.
Sets out a coordinated vision to transform bus and coach services across England’s Economic Heartland by improving cross-boundary connectivity, reducing car dependency, supporting decarbonisation, and enhancing service quality, accessibility, and integration—ultimately enabling a more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient regional transport system.
Our annual report summarises the work which has been done during the year, and also includes key financial information.
Outlines a strategic, evidence-led programme to deliver a world-class, net zero transport system by prioritising investment, supporting local authorities, enhancing regional connectivity, and harnessing innovation to drive sustainable economic growth.
Sets out a high-level vision to create an exemplar active travel network and culture across England’s Economic Heartland that supports healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable communities by encouraging walking, cycling, and scootering for short and first/last mile journeys, contributing to decarbonisation, improved air quality, and reduced congestion.
Outlines the scale and sources of transport emissions in England’s Economic Heartland, revealing that cars and freight dominate emissions, and concludes that urgent, locally tailored action is essential to meet the region’s ambitious 2040 net zero transport target.
Outlines four plausible future scenarios—Slow Recovery, High Policy Impact, Radical Social Change, and High Tech—developed through stakeholder workshops to assess how varying social, economic, and technological drivers could influence transport demand and infrastructure planning in England’s Economic Heartland up to 2050.
Identifies 36 economically valuable rail flows across England’s Economic Heartland and proposes service level aspirations—ranging from minor to transformational changes—to enhance east-west connectivity, support sustainable growth, and align with net-zero goals, forming the basis for future feasibility studies and investment planning.
Examines how increased working from home—particularly if sustained at two days per week—could reduce peak-hour car traffic in England’s Economic Heartland by 10–12%, offering significant potential to ease congestion and inform future infrastructure planning, especially along key corridors.
Our annual report summarises the work which has been done during the year, and also includes key financial information.
Provides a comprehensive baseline assessment of the existing passenger rail network, both within and connected to the EEH region.
Examines global best practices in first and last mile transport solutions, including the concept of mobility hubs.
A comprehensive summary of England's Economic Heartland's (EEH) regional evidence base, detailing its economic strengths, demographic profile and environmental considerations.
Models the regional transport network to explore various strategies for reducing carbon emissions by analysing different scenarios such as housing and population growth.
Sets out potential of a statutory sub-national transport body.
"Heartland in Context," aims to provide an overview of the economic landscape of England's Economic Heartland (EEH). It outlines the region's economic strengths, including its significant contribution to the UK economy, particularly in terms of jobs, growth, and innovation. The document also addresses key challenges such as productivity growth and environmental considerations. Additionally, it highlights the region's "Prime Sectors" and its role as a national innovation hub
An overview of the strategic collaborative partnership's activities and achievements for the fiscal year. It highlights progress in realising the region's economic potential while striving for net environmental gain, with a strong focus on the development of the Transport Strategy and engagement on strategic infrastructure. The report also details stakeholder engagement efforts and reaffirms the collaborative approach with local authorities as well as private sector partners to drive regional prosperity.
A strategic advocacy brief from England's Economic Heartland (EEH) ahead of the 2019 Spending Review, urging government investment in critical infrastructure.
Proposes a new, integrated approach to logistics planning. It emphasises moving beyond infrastructure bottlenecks to embed freight considerations early in land use and transport planning.
Proposes a new, integrated approach to logistics planning. It emphasises moving beyond infrastructure bottlenecks to embed freight considerations early in land use and transport planning.
Delivering a World Class Heartland outlines England's Economic Heartland's (EEH) strategic vision and priorities for the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor and surrounding areas.
Executive summary of report which identifies key regulatory and governance barriers hindering the timely delivery of strategic utility infrastructure across England’s Economic Heartland.
The report identifies key regulatory and governance barriers hindering the timely delivery of strategic utility infrastructure across England’s Economic Heartland.
An outline of England's Economic Heartland's (EEH) key objectives for future rail investment within the region.
England's Economic Heartland's (EEH) key objectives for future road investment. Developed by the Strategic Transport Forum, the publication emphasises strategic road and motorway improvements such as A43/A45, A505, A47 and sections of the M1, M11 and M40 to support economic growth.
The "Planning for Growth" position statement by England’s Economic Heartland outlines a collaborative strategy to enhance east-west transport connectivity across a high-growth, innovation-driven corridor.
England’s Economic Heartland’s Integrated Sustainability Appraisal (ISA), developed alongside its Transport Strategy, assessed the strategy’s impact across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
It included independent evaluations such as an Equality Impact Assessment, Health Impact Assessment, and Community Safety Assessment, ensuring the strategy promotes inclusive, safe, and sustainable connectivity while supporting wellbeing and environmental goals. As such it includes a rich amount of evidence and data on the region.