Transport leaders' vision for the future

High speed rail, smartcard ticketing and data sharing are among a number of forward-thinking schemes set to shape the future of the region's transport over the next twelve months, bringing significant benefits to Greater Manchester.

Leaders from the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC), the body that oversees the region's transport policy, have agreed a package of major transport priorities that will push ahead next year.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGMC, said: "As a committee, we have developed and approved a range of transport policies that will prove pivotal to improving the quality and availability of our region's transport networks and services.

"For example, we will look at how we can benefit passengers by securing greater value for money from bus services that we pay for, and see how we can work with the Competition Commission to deliver a more efficient, integrated and sustainable bus network.

"We will also push for firm commitments on the future of our rail system by pressing the need for more rail carriages to cope with increasing demand, as well as wider schemes such as electrification, Northern Hub and, crucially, high speed rail."

Keeping the construction of the new Metrolink lines on track remains a top priority for the region's transport leaders.

"Providing public information in new, accessible and user-friendly forms is also an important area for us," explained Councillor Fender. "The huge rise in smart technology means we want to look at how we can share data with organisations that are able to make information available in web-based applications."

Smartcard ticketing is also high on the agenda, with leaders calling for improvements in multi-operator and multi-modal ticketing that builds on work already underway in creating a better ticketing service for the region.

Promoting active travel, such as cycling and walking, and the development of the region's major road network will also be carried forward, reflecting the committee's widened transport governance roles.