Transport leaders to meet MPs in call for extra carriages

Greater Manchester transport leaders are to meet with local MPs to discuss investment in more train carriages for the region.

A delegation from Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), led by the Authority's Chair, Councillor Keith Whitmore, will meet the cross-party group of Manchester MPs today (Wednesday 16 June).

Councillor Whitmore said: "The Department for Transport is currently reviewing its plans for extra rolling stock across the country, so this is a good time to build upon the work we did with Greater Manchester's MPs before the general election.

"Demand for rail travel is increasing in the north-west, despite the economic downturn, and Northern Rail now carries 34 per cent more passengers than it did when the franchise was let on a 'no-growth' basis.

"The support of our local MPs will be vital in championing Greater Manchester as a region whose economic growth depends on being able to meet that demand, both now and in future."

GMITA Vice-Chair Councillor Ian Macdonald said: "So far, the government's projections for growth in rail travel have been done on a broad basis, with little detailed analysis of specific areas and routes.

"But there is no 'one size fits all' solution to this issue, and growth is far higher in some areas than others. The north of England needs more train carriages, and it needs them now - but out of 526 available carriages, the government has so far provided just 16 additional carriages for our region.

"Local MPs are well-positioned to help us make our case to central government. We look forward to a productive meeting with them on Wednesday."

GMITA will also be meeting with the new ministerial team at the DfT at the earliest opportunity. Councillor Whitmore has written to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers expressing a wish to work closely with the Department while it reviews its plans to increase rail passenger capacity.