01.01.07
Greater Manchester takes next step in major transport funding bid
Source: Rail Technology Magazine Dec/Jan 2007
Greater Manchester leaders met recently to consider a report on the next step towards their July bid to the Government’s Transport Innovation Fund, which could be worth over £1 billion in transport improvements for the city region.
The £1billion package of transport improvements for the city region is the subject of detailed analysis and development at the present time. It will include, as a minimum, significant investment in the expansion of the Metrolink network and investment in heavy rail - both additional rolling stock and station improvement.
Drivers who ‘congest’ – create a negative impact on the economy and the environment - could be asked to make a financial contribution to compensate. Any charge they pay would stay in Greater Manchester and be reinvested in transport improvements.
Chair of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, councillor Roger Jones, said, “We want the Transport Innovation Fund to revolutionise public transport in Greater Manchester by giving us access to over £1billion funding. We know that people will use buses, trains and trams if they are reliable and affordable and I am confident that – given the right levels of investment – we can achieve this.
“At the same time, it’s clear Government will only make this funding available if Greater Manchester makes a serious commitment to tackle the growing congestion on our roads. We need to make a strong bid that will help us deliver a first class public transport network to bolster the local economy.”
The Transport Innovation Fund offers the largest source of funding for local transport in decades – circa £1bn for Greater Manchester alone – to deliver a step change in public transport provision.
The bid is part of Association of Greater Manchester Authorities’ long-term strategy to support the development of the city region and is consistent with the recommendations of major Government reviews such as Eddington, Stern and Barker.
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