Future of Rochdale's transport service in talks

Greater Manchester’s transport leaders have met with Government ministers and MPs to discuss the future of the region’s buses, train and trams.

Leading members of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) invited the county’s MPs to a Westminster event, which focused on the strategy for future investment in public transport.

More than a dozen MPs – including three ministers – attended the meeting, which took place on Tuesday.

Councillor Matt Colledge, Chair of GMPTA, said: “I think the unusually high turnout for this meeting speaks volumes. There is an unprecedented level of interest in public transport, and a tremendous excitement about developing and taking forward a new high level strategy.

“I was impressed by the strong determination – from all sides of the debate and all political parties – to understand how we can work together effectively to get major investment in our public transport back on track.

“This is just the start. There will be further meetings with MPs in the coming days and last night it was agreed to send a delegation to meet with the Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon".

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Vice Chair of GMPTA, added: “There is a growing consensus that, following the experience in Greater Manchester last year, no-one will be bidding for Transport Innovation Fund money linked to a congestion charging scheme.

“However, one thing has been abundantly clear in recent months – we all want to see investment in our buses, trains and trams.

“This event was an important milestone in the process of building collective support, and a compelling case for investment, that can be taken to the Government.

“The TIF work has given us a library of well developed transport initiatives. Particularly in these difficult economic times, we are well placed to deliver transport and economic benefits quickly – and that’s the message we want to get across to the Government".