Rochdale residents invited to have their say on public transport

Date published: 09/01/2006

Rochdale residents are being given the chance to attend a Local Transport Public Forum at Manchester Town Hall next week and get across their views to local public transport service providers.

The forum, which will be attended by people across Greater Manchester, has been arranged by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority for Monday 16 January from 9.30am to lunchtime in the Reception Room.

The event will provide an opportunity for people to comment on the Authority’s budget plans for 2006/7 and will also include a discussion on the changes to the statutory concessionary fares scheme being introduced on 1 April, when disabled people and people aged 60 and over will benefit from free, off-peak, travel by bus.

The meeting will be attended by a variety of transport officials, including senior representation from the Authority, GMPTE and local transport operators.

Councillor Roger Jones, Chairman of the Authority, said: “It is very important to the Authority that residents have a say in helping us to establish the best possible public transport system for Greater Manchester. In order to do this, we regularly consult with and get active input from local transport users.

“Next week’s forum will provide an ideal opportunity for passengers to tell their local transport operators, as well as members of the Authority and GMPTE, exactly what they want most from their services. I encourage people to come along and join in.”

Rochdale Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson on the GMPTE, Councillor Shah Wazir said: "I would encourage Rochdale residents to get involved in this consultation.  Rochdale is suffering from chronic under-investment.

I am especially interested in the item on the statutory concessionary fares scheme being introduced on 1 April.  I would hope that this scheme will not cost council tax payers in Rochdale a penny.  It does seem ironic however that this meeting is happening in Manchester.  I would like to see a similar exercise here in Rochdale - we are here to discuss public transport and without the Metrolink and the state of public transport in general it would be very difficult for public transport users to get there!"

For further information members of the public can contact GMPTA on 0161 234 4619.