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GMITA sets its public transport priorities for 2010/11

Posted: 3 August 2010 | Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) | No comments yet

Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have set out their comprehensive priorities for the coming year…

Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have set out their comprehensive priorities for the coming year...

Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have set out their comprehensive priorities for the coming year.

Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) has pledged, among other key aims, to continue to lobby for extra rail carriages, to seek improvements to the bus network, to maintain investment in major public transport schemes, including the expansion of Metrolink, and to ensure that public transport is safe for all.

Members have also committed to ensuring that the next Local Transport Plan sets out an ambitious vision for future years’ investment in transport in Greater Manchester, building on the success of recent years, and looking to develop innovations in passenger information facilities and smartcard ticketing technology.

The Authority’s priorities complement its overall objective of working with stakeholders to support the economic competitiveness of Greater Manchester, provide attractive and safe travel choices, respect the environment and address social exclusion.

Councillor Ian Macdonald, Chair of GMITA, said: “Our comprehensive priorities for the coming year encompass a wide range of features, which reflects the complexities of our public transport system and the travel needs associated with modern lifestyles.

“However, some of our most pressing aims will be to secure a commitment from the Government for extra carriages on our overcrowded train services, and to continue to develop and deliver several major public transport schemes, such as the Metrolink expansion.”

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Vice Chair of GMITA, said: “We have achieved a lot in recent years, but we are always striving for the improvements that will encourage more people to make the switch to public transport.

“That is why we will be proactively engaging with all rail, bus, tram and transport user groups by once again holding regular transport surgeries in each district and by encouraging more Friends of Rail Stations groups to develop.

“We will also look to deliver Statutory Quality Partnerships with the co-operation of bus operators and district highway authorities to give us greater influence over bus routes, bus service frequencies and fares and enable cross-city routes to operate.”

A comprehensive report on the Authority’s priorities for this municipal year can be found here: http://www.gmita.gov.uk/downloads/file/3125/item_08_gmita_policy_priorities_201011