Transport leader promotes Metrolink to MPs

Date published: 26 April 2007

The chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority took part in a House of Commons debate this week on the future of light rail schemes in the UK, including Metrolink.

Councillor Roger Jones was a guest speaker at a meeting of the all-party parliamentary group for light rail. He encouraged the government to do more to develop new light rail schemes.

Councillor Jones said: "Metrolink has been massively popular since it launched in 1992. Passengers now make nearly 20 million journeys on the service each year. We’ve already secured more than half a billion pounds to expand the network and build three new lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester.

"Metrolink has helped to encourage more people out of their cars and onto public transport, as well as playing a major part in boosting the local economy. We would like to see the government investing in light rail schemes like Metrolink elsewhere in the UK. We are also working with them so that we can complete our original expansion plans for the network."

Paul Rowen MP, Chairman of the light rail group, said: "I am hugely disappointed with the new government regulations that do not make it any easier for new tram schemes. We are calling on MPs to look again as light rail is something that authorities should be considering – especially when you consider that across the country, light rail schemes such as Metrolink have proven to kickstart regeneration and be hugely successful in getting people out of their cars."

Graham Stringer MP, Vice-Chairman of the group, added: "The government has shown that it is biased against trams and light rail systems. It should level the playing field so that more money can be invested in extending Metrolink and other light rail systems. This will ensure more drivers leave their cars at home."

The all-party parliamentary group for light rail debate took place in Portcullis House at the House of Commons on Tuesday.