Andy Burnham’s plans for an Integrated Transport system across Greater Manchester came a step closer as the Government announced a billion pound package of funding for the region’s buses
The region is one of Thirty-one counties, city regions and unitary authorities have been chosen for funding to level up their local bus services in the latest awards from the government’s bus transformation programme.
The funding will see the Mayor able to press ahead with plans for the region’s bus network which include £1.50 hopper fares,ten minute routes,better evening and Sunday services and further development for some of the region’s transport interchanges
Greater Manchester has also been allocated £94.8m from the government for its Bus Service Improvement Plan as part of the Bus Back Better strategy.
Metrolink will receive £20.5m to keep trams running with lower passenger numbers following the pandemic.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal. The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: “Today’s announcements are a major vote of confidence in Greater Manchester’s plans for a London-style public transport system.
“This funding will allow us to bring forward an improved bus service, starting next autumn in Wigan and Bolton – with new buses, lower fares and more frequent services.
“However, as welcome as today’s announcement is, the revenue funding is about half of what we bid for, and we still don’t know how much recovery funding bus operators will get to keep services running.
“We have been working closely with government on a funding model that will enable us to stabilise, rebuild and ultimately transform public transport, and can only deliver the Bee Network if we have a sound foundation to build upon.
“Without a longer-term recovery settlement, the threat of cuts to services still looms large. This is the final piece of the puzzle that will really enable us to get on and deliver the Bee Network and this is the case I will make to government as we continue to work together to unlock Greater Manchester’s full potential.”
