GMPTA Chairman welcomes major bus improvement proposals

Date published: 22 May 2007

The Chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Roger Jones, has welcomed today’s publication of the draft Local Transport Bill as heralding the best news for local bus passengers in 20 years.

If approved by parliament, the legislation would make it easier for local authorities to radically improve the standard of local bus services, through "quality contracts’ with bus operators.

Authorities such as GMPTA would then be able to decide where and when bus services run and what fares passengers pay, as well as setting high standards for punctuality and reliability.

It would also allow better integration with the tram and rail networks and improve ticketing options so that passengers can change between different modes of transport more easily.

Councillor Jones said: "Today’s publication of the draft Local Transport Bill paves the way for the most important piece of legislation for bus passengers in 20 years.

"It looks likely that we will finally have the powers to give local people reliable, affordable bus services that take them where they want to go. I look forward to working with Greater Manchester’s bus operators to deliver a network which best serves the needs of all our residents."

If approved by parliament, the bill could also empower local authorities to review and then propose their own arrangements for local transport governance. This would support more integrated and effective transport planning and delivery.

Councillor Jones added: "This bill recognises that local transport authorities are best placed to deliver a transport system which suits the needs of its local area. Over £3bn could be invested in Greater Manchester’s transport network in the next decade and it is essential that the local authorities are properly equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

"I look forward to studying the bill in more detail and working with the Department for Transport, local MPs and peers during the bill’s progress, to achieve the best deal for local passengers."

The draft bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny by the House of Commons Transport Committee, alongside full public consultation.