Rob Johnson
@rjson.bsky.social
Analyst, Centre for Cities. All things urban economics - mainly skills & labour markets, living standards, transport, and innovation. Fan of working with data and visualising it.
Pinned
Rob Johnson
@rjson.bsky.social
· Nov 4
Big cities like Birmingham could get many more people well connected to its city centre by a 30 minute public transport journey.
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
Mancunians can expect a big yellow christmas present - next year - in the form of Bee Network rail services.
GM's future transport vision strikes all the right notes, and could be a blueprint for other metro mayors - just requires GBR/DfT to be aligned to help realise it
GM's future transport vision strikes all the right notes, and could be a blueprint for other metro mayors - just requires GBR/DfT to be aligned to help realise it
December 22, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Mancunians can expect a big yellow christmas present - next year - in the form of Bee Network rail services.
GM's future transport vision strikes all the right notes, and could be a blueprint for other metro mayors - just requires GBR/DfT to be aligned to help realise it
GM's future transport vision strikes all the right notes, and could be a blueprint for other metro mayors - just requires GBR/DfT to be aligned to help realise it
Reposted by Rob Johnson
Going by 2023 data, Leeds is now above the national level of productivity (even accounting for the noise in hours worked data). It would be the third big city to do so, after London and Bristol. So it has the potential to be quite a regional economic hub.
December 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Going by 2023 data, Leeds is now above the national level of productivity (even accounting for the noise in hours worked data). It would be the third big city to do so, after London and Bristol. So it has the potential to be quite a regional economic hub.
Mixed feelings. Sadly predictable result from lack of fiscal space, sclerotic planning system, and seeming blindspot on the limiting factor to growth here.
But buses are where the real marginal gains are in Leeds. Let's hope this means redoubled focus on a fully integrated system in the short term.
But buses are where the real marginal gains are in Leeds. Let's hope this means redoubled focus on a fully integrated system in the short term.
December 18, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Mixed feelings. Sadly predictable result from lack of fiscal space, sclerotic planning system, and seeming blindspot on the limiting factor to growth here.
But buses are where the real marginal gains are in Leeds. Let's hope this means redoubled focus on a fully integrated system in the short term.
But buses are where the real marginal gains are in Leeds. Let's hope this means redoubled focus on a fully integrated system in the short term.
Might be the last full week before Christmas, but it's a busy Monday here at @centreforcities.bsky.social towers. Some highlights all published this morning:
1. @antbreach.bsky.social with economic geography-based suggestions to widen devolution in the prioirty areas being carved up next year 👇
1. @antbreach.bsky.social with economic geography-based suggestions to widen devolution in the prioirty areas being carved up next year 👇
Local government reform is tricky but incredibly important for the economy and public service reform.
Our new briefing sets out how to do it in the key areas facing a decision next year - by matching political geography to economic geography and allowing cities to grow.
Our new briefing sets out how to do it in the key areas facing a decision next year - by matching political geography to economic geography and allowing cities to grow.
December 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Might be the last full week before Christmas, but it's a busy Monday here at @centreforcities.bsky.social towers. Some highlights all published this morning:
1. @antbreach.bsky.social with economic geography-based suggestions to widen devolution in the prioirty areas being carved up next year 👇
1. @antbreach.bsky.social with economic geography-based suggestions to widen devolution in the prioirty areas being carved up next year 👇
Reposted by Rob Johnson
Really good and challenging piece by Chris, this.
Just to point out a couple of nuances (which don't contradict Chris' piece imo):
1. GDP per capita growth has been well below GDP; I think this explains *some* of the surprise
2. Our recoveries from 2008 and 2020 were both slow (in different ways)
Just to point out a couple of nuances (which don't contradict Chris' piece imo):
1. GDP per capita growth has been well below GDP; I think this explains *some* of the surprise
2. Our recoveries from 2008 and 2020 were both slow (in different ways)
December 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Really good and challenging piece by Chris, this.
Just to point out a couple of nuances (which don't contradict Chris' piece imo):
1. GDP per capita growth has been well below GDP; I think this explains *some* of the surprise
2. Our recoveries from 2008 and 2020 were both slow (in different ways)
Just to point out a couple of nuances (which don't contradict Chris' piece imo):
1. GDP per capita growth has been well below GDP; I think this explains *some* of the surprise
2. Our recoveries from 2008 and 2020 were both slow (in different ways)
Might have gotten lost among all the budget noise, but I'm pretty positive about this fund.
An initiative laser targeted at big cities with promising but undersized city centre economies, aiming to flip vicious cycles into virtuous ones.
See Yunze's thread for more detail 👇
An initiative laser targeted at big cities with promising but undersized city centre economies, aiming to flip vicious cycles into virtuous ones.
See Yunze's thread for more detail 👇
A good policy hidden in the recent Budget is the Mayoral Revolving Growth Fund (MRGF), a part of the Government's Industrial Strategy.
In short, this is a good place-based policy because it targets the right problems in the right way: shorturl.at/X8sDx
In short, this is a good place-based policy because it targets the right problems in the right way: shorturl.at/X8sDx
The Mayoral Revolving Growth Fund is a pro-urban, pro-growth policy - Centre for Cities
The MRGF gives metro mayors new powers to invest in city-centre growth and support the UK’s underperforming large cities.
shorturl.at
December 9, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Might have gotten lost among all the budget noise, but I'm pretty positive about this fund.
An initiative laser targeted at big cities with promising but undersized city centre economies, aiming to flip vicious cycles into virtuous ones.
See Yunze's thread for more detail 👇
An initiative laser targeted at big cities with promising but undersized city centre economies, aiming to flip vicious cycles into virtuous ones.
See Yunze's thread for more detail 👇
Great demonstration of what funding and powers could achieve for integrated transport in the city region. All changes would achieve faster and more frequent buses, and better integration with Merseyrail, which could boost Liverpool's connectivity by a third based on our modelling
December 5, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Great demonstration of what funding and powers could achieve for integrated transport in the city region. All changes would achieve faster and more frequent buses, and better integration with Merseyrail, which could boost Liverpool's connectivity by a third based on our modelling
Lots of good points. Clearly still lots to be ironed out with GBR. But at this early stage, no recognition of the roles different passenger journeys play (inter- vs intra-city).
So while mayors have 'right to request' rail devo, not clear whether this is an explicit aim of GBR (it should be!)
So while mayors have 'right to request' rail devo, not clear whether this is an explicit aim of GBR (it should be!)
Labour spent ages arguing that the railways should be nationalised.
They appear not to have spent much time figuring out what we can learn from the best nationalised systems.
catchingmice.substack.com/cp/180687006
They appear not to have spent much time figuring out what we can learn from the best nationalised systems.
catchingmice.substack.com/cp/180687006
We’re getting worried about Great British Railways
Nationalisation can work, but the Government isn’t doing it right
catchingmice.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Lots of good points. Clearly still lots to be ironed out with GBR. But at this early stage, no recognition of the roles different passenger journeys play (inter- vs intra-city).
So while mayors have 'right to request' rail devo, not clear whether this is an explicit aim of GBR (it should be!)
So while mayors have 'right to request' rail devo, not clear whether this is an explicit aim of GBR (it should be!)
Our response to the recent ONS consolidation that looks like it's putting subnational data on the chopping block (bad!) - good thread from @yz18.bsky.social on how we need this data to answer fundamental questions on city performance and impact of devolution (increasingly important topics!)
The ONS is taking a ‘quality over quantity’ approach in its ongoing reform.
This is not itself an issue. But the current signs are that a lot of local/regional data could be at risk. This has big implications for policymakers at all levels and deserves more attention. A short thread:
This is not itself an issue. But the current signs are that a lot of local/regional data could be at risk. This has big implications for policymakers at all levels and deserves more attention. A short thread:
Recent APS data showed major shifts in city productivity — including convergence between London and the big cities.
If the APS disappears, so does our ability to track these trends.
This week’s blog explores the implications 👇
buff.ly/EVOsT40
If the APS disappears, so does our ability to track these trends.
This week’s blog explores the implications 👇
buff.ly/EVOsT40
December 2, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Our response to the recent ONS consolidation that looks like it's putting subnational data on the chopping block (bad!) - good thread from @yz18.bsky.social on how we need this data to answer fundamental questions on city performance and impact of devolution (increasingly important topics!)
Reposted by Rob Johnson
Details to be consulted on. Big and important decisions to make on how it would actually work. Simply - welsh model = bad. Scottish model = good www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
How should a tourist tax work for England’s mayors? - Centre for Cities
This briefing argues that a Scottish-style tourist tax would be more appropriate for England than a Welsh-style tourist tax
www.centreforcities.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Details to be consulted on. Big and important decisions to make on how it would actually work. Simply - welsh model = bad. Scottish model = good www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
Good news. Not just for mayors wanting to reinvest in their visitor economy and other local services, but also to allow them to demonstrate the growth credentials of fiscal devolution.
It's the principle, more than the policy, that matters - discussed more in my blog earlier this year 👇
It's the principle, more than the policy, that matters - discussed more in my blog earlier this year 👇
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Good news. Not just for mayors wanting to reinvest in their visitor economy and other local services, but also to allow them to demonstrate the growth credentials of fiscal devolution.
It's the principle, more than the policy, that matters - discussed more in my blog earlier this year 👇
It's the principle, more than the policy, that matters - discussed more in my blog earlier this year 👇
Reposted by Rob Johnson
Longstanding ask from mayors. Possible revenue stream for a bus franchising model that costs money to implement properly
November 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Longstanding ask from mayors. Possible revenue stream for a bus franchising model that costs money to implement properly
Urban anti-car measures may seem like political dynamite. But metro mayors should note the lack of fanfare over London's recent congestion charge increases.
For integrated transport to be most effective requires both carrots and sticks in big cities - selling them as a package is the way forward
For integrated transport to be most effective requires both carrots and sticks in big cities - selling them as a package is the way forward
November 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Urban anti-car measures may seem like political dynamite. But metro mayors should note the lack of fanfare over London's recent congestion charge increases.
For integrated transport to be most effective requires both carrots and sticks in big cities - selling them as a package is the way forward
For integrated transport to be most effective requires both carrots and sticks in big cities - selling them as a package is the way forward
A blunt instrument that will hit all unis, given their funding model has driven them to overseas recruitment.
Which means many non-South East cities will get an export tax on one of their largest exporting industries.
Hard to square with govt's 'raising living standards across the country' mission
Which means many non-South East cities will get an export tax on one of their largest exporting industries.
Hard to square with govt's 'raising living standards across the country' mission
November 24, 2025 at 11:50 AM
A blunt instrument that will hit all unis, given their funding model has driven them to overseas recruitment.
Which means many non-South East cities will get an export tax on one of their largest exporting industries.
Hard to square with govt's 'raising living standards across the country' mission
Which means many non-South East cities will get an export tax on one of their largest exporting industries.
Hard to square with govt's 'raising living standards across the country' mission
Exactly what we argue for metro mayors looking to meet sustainable travel goals. Our modeled benefits of integrated transport in their cities are mediated by how convenient it is to drive.
Can't have the carrot without the stick as London - with the UK's most integrated public transport - shows.
Can't have the carrot without the stick as London - with the UK's most integrated public transport - shows.
November 15, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Exactly what we argue for metro mayors looking to meet sustainable travel goals. Our modeled benefits of integrated transport in their cities are mediated by how convenient it is to drive.
Can't have the carrot without the stick as London - with the UK's most integrated public transport - shows.
Can't have the carrot without the stick as London - with the UK's most integrated public transport - shows.
Away from the headlines of the Railways Bill, the piece of legislation could be the missing piece of the puzzle for big cities to have truly integrated public transport.
Lots of details to be set yet. But not recognising the economic role of commuter rail would be a mis-step at this early stage 👇
Lots of details to be set yet. But not recognising the economic role of commuter rail would be a mis-step at this early stage 👇
November 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Away from the headlines of the Railways Bill, the piece of legislation could be the missing piece of the puzzle for big cities to have truly integrated public transport.
Lots of details to be set yet. But not recognising the economic role of commuter rail would be a mis-step at this early stage 👇
Lots of details to be set yet. But not recognising the economic role of commuter rail would be a mis-step at this early stage 👇
This map shows how it is more frequent buses that will extend the reach of Newcastle's public transport system.
A lot of this can be achieved through the mayor's plans for bus franchising.
Have a play around with our data tool and 'be the mayor' to see the impact of integration in more detail 👇
A lot of this can be achieved through the mayor's plans for bus franchising.
Have a play around with our data tool and 'be the mayor' to see the impact of integration in more detail 👇
With integrated modes, increased bus frequency and reduced journey times #Newcastle could see 170,700 more people connected to the city centre 📢
November 10, 2025 at 5:55 PM
This map shows how it is more frequent buses that will extend the reach of Newcastle's public transport system.
A lot of this can be achieved through the mayor's plans for bus franchising.
Have a play around with our data tool and 'be the mayor' to see the impact of integration in more detail 👇
A lot of this can be achieved through the mayor's plans for bus franchising.
Have a play around with our data tool and 'be the mayor' to see the impact of integration in more detail 👇
With Merseyrail already under local control, and bus franchising soon to be completed, the future looks bright for integrated transport in Liverpool.
Our modelling suggests the city could see an increase in city centre connectivity by a third, just through improvements on its existing network
Our modelling suggests the city could see an increase in city centre connectivity by a third, just through improvements on its existing network
With integrated modes, increased bus frequency and reduced journey times #Liverpool could see 160,400 more people connected to the city centre 📢
November 7, 2025 at 10:12 AM
With Merseyrail already under local control, and bus franchising soon to be completed, the future looks bright for integrated transport in Liverpool.
Our modelling suggests the city could see an increase in city centre connectivity by a third, just through improvements on its existing network
Our modelling suggests the city could see an increase in city centre connectivity by a third, just through improvements on its existing network
English or Dijon?
Depends on if we're talking condiments or local transport systems.
Thankfully (where I relish the opportunity) Caitlin refrains from such cliches in this blog, and shows it is English cities, not Dijon, that are exceptional (not in a good way) for integrated transport.
Depends on if we're talking condiments or local transport systems.
Thankfully (where I relish the opportunity) Caitlin refrains from such cliches in this blog, and shows it is English cities, not Dijon, that are exceptional (not in a good way) for integrated transport.
Dijon is the inspiration behind the upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy.
What should the metro mayors learn from its success?
Read the blog 👇
buff.ly/5YB16fY
What should the metro mayors learn from its success?
Read the blog 👇
buff.ly/5YB16fY
What can the metro mayors learn from transport in Dijon? - Centre for Cities
Dijon is the inspiration behind the upcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy. What should the metro mayors learn from its success?
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 9:52 AM
English or Dijon?
Depends on if we're talking condiments or local transport systems.
Thankfully (where I relish the opportunity) Caitlin refrains from such cliches in this blog, and shows it is English cities, not Dijon, that are exceptional (not in a good way) for integrated transport.
Depends on if we're talking condiments or local transport systems.
Thankfully (where I relish the opportunity) Caitlin refrains from such cliches in this blog, and shows it is English cities, not Dijon, that are exceptional (not in a good way) for integrated transport.
Encouraging, and a positive signal that govt is taking big city transport integration seriously.
It's the right focus for Manchester too - our modelling suggests better rail/tram integration would have the single biggest impact on connectivity.
Ticketing soon, hopefully timetables next in 2026
It's the right focus for Manchester too - our modelling suggests better rail/tram integration would have the single biggest impact on connectivity.
Ticketing soon, hopefully timetables next in 2026
November 6, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Encouraging, and a positive signal that govt is taking big city transport integration seriously.
It's the right focus for Manchester too - our modelling suggests better rail/tram integration would have the single biggest impact on connectivity.
Ticketing soon, hopefully timetables next in 2026
It's the right focus for Manchester too - our modelling suggests better rail/tram integration would have the single biggest impact on connectivity.
Ticketing soon, hopefully timetables next in 2026
Big cities like Birmingham could get many more people well connected to its city centre by a 30 minute public transport journey.
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
November 4, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Big cities like Birmingham could get many more people well connected to its city centre by a 30 minute public transport journey.
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
What to see how I turned thousands of live buses into charts like this? And what it all means for mayors wanting to integrate their public transport systems?
Come to see me talk about all this and more to our event at 1pm: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Come to see me talk about all this and more to our event at 1pm: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
November 4, 2025 at 11:42 AM
What to see how I turned thousands of live buses into charts like this? And what it all means for mayors wanting to integrate their public transport systems?
Come to see me talk about all this and more to our event at 1pm: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Come to see me talk about all this and more to our event at 1pm: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Reposted by Rob Johnson
Join us for the launch of our new report exploring how transport integration could improve public transport 🚀
We will be joined by @ruthcadbury.bsky.social MP, Rebecca Fuller of @utg-uk.bsky.social,
@rjson.bsky.social and @andrewcities.bsky.social.
Register your place👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
We will be joined by @ruthcadbury.bsky.social MP, Rebecca Fuller of @utg-uk.bsky.social,
@rjson.bsky.social and @andrewcities.bsky.social.
Register your place👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
October 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Join us for the launch of our new report exploring how transport integration could improve public transport 🚀
We will be joined by @ruthcadbury.bsky.social MP, Rebecca Fuller of @utg-uk.bsky.social,
@rjson.bsky.social and @andrewcities.bsky.social.
Register your place👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
We will be joined by @ruthcadbury.bsky.social MP, Rebecca Fuller of @utg-uk.bsky.social,
@rjson.bsky.social and @andrewcities.bsky.social.
Register your place👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
Want to find out how many more people could access city centres if mayors integrated their public transport networks? Or at least justify me tracking tens of thousands of buses over the last few months? Sign up below 🚌🚌🚌
📅Join Centre for Cities for the launch of a new report exploring how transport integration could improve public transport and support economic growth in England's six Established Mayoral Combined Authorities 🚌
Register👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
Register👇
buff.ly/UIMm8MD
October 22, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Want to find out how many more people could access city centres if mayors integrated their public transport networks? Or at least justify me tracking tens of thousands of buses over the last few months? Sign up below 🚌🚌🚌
Reposted by Rob Johnson
I don't understand what is going on with sub-national productivity data in the UK. @centreforcities.bsky.social doing their best here, but I'd be wary drawing any substantive conclusions: www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
How productive are the UK’s big cities? - Centre for Cities
This briefing dives into the latest subregional productivity data to understand the trends over the past 20 years and what it can tell us about local and national economic performance
www.centreforcities.org
October 20, 2025 at 10:48 AM
I don't understand what is going on with sub-national productivity data in the UK. @centreforcities.bsky.social doing their best here, but I'd be wary drawing any substantive conclusions: www.centreforcities.org/publication/...