Staff from TfGM met with European colleagues to collaborate on cutting CO2

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Staff from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) met with European colleagues last month to share best practice and understand the latest approaches to combatting carbon emissions.

Through innovative projects and peer review the EU backed 'Resolve' project looks to address two urgent challenges in European cities - the declining retail sector and the increasing need to reduce CO2 emissions.

During their time in the city, which sits opposite Lisbon across the Tegus River, TfGM representatives learnt about the work the city council were doing to address these issues; through tailored sustainable travel welcome packs for new residents and an innovative cycle network which connects the main sights of the town.

Local air pollution and carbon emissions cause significant harm to health and the environment and, as a result, have an adverse impact on the economy. In Greater Manchester, road transport accounts for 65% of nitrogen dioxide and 79% of particulate emissions – the two most harmful air pollutants.

The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 demonstrates a clear plan to reduce carbon emissions and respond to the challenge of climate change through the increased use of sustainable travel.

Rafael Cuesta, Head of Development and Innovation at TfGM said: “To improve our own transport network, it’s important that we learn from the practices of our European colleagues.

“This visit offered us first-hand experience of a range of projects which are taking place in Almada. We were particularly interested in some of the innovative bus schemes and cycle programmes that Almada has rolled out. These will form a key part in planning our own developments over the next few years.”

The next study visit will take place in November in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where partners will learn about the city’s ‘Electrical Experience’, the regional integration of public transport services and the management of logistic operations in the city centre.

Those involved in the project have also been conducting surveys to understand how visitors travel to retail areas and how goods are delivered to shops in the city. The analysis of the results, which already total over 2,500, and the comparison among partners will be done next year.

The TfGM Travel Choices team, which offers a free, expert service supporting economic growth by helping businesses take advantage of sustainable travel options, is leading on the project.