People across the city region and beyond are being asked to have their say on the future of Greater Manchester’s transport as a 12-week consultation on a draft long-term strategy launches.
The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 – developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – sets out long-term proposals to create a cleaner, greener, more prosperous city region through better connections and simpler travel.
The Strategy considers all aspects of travel from local neighbourhoods to global markets and focuses on creating an integrated, sustainable, and well co-ordinated transport system which supports a wide range of different travel needs.
The consultation, launched today by Tony Lloyd, Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester, gives local people the opportunity to shape the future of travel as part of a radical, and ambitious, new approach to planning in support of long-term needs and aspirations.
Proposals for consideration include an Integrated smart ticketing system for public transport, Increased capacity for rapid transit in Manchester city centre, including exploring the feasibility of tunnels, and Re-development of Piccadilly station to integrate HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, local rail and Metrolink.
The plan will also consider the setting up of pedestrian and cycle links to make active travel the natural choice for short journeys and a high quality public realm and a city centre that is easier and more attractive to walk and cycle around
The consultation builds on the publication of the 2040 Vision for transport in Greater Manchester, consulted on during summer 2015, which outlined the role of transport in supporting sustainable economic growth, protecting our environment, improving quality of life and developing an innovative city region.
In conjunction with the Strategy, TfGM is consulting on a five-year delivery plan which details the first stage of implementation.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd said: “This is about creating a world-class transport system for the future that will help us realise the ambitions of this great city region of ours.
“An effective transport system supports a strong economy and it has a major bearing on people’s health and well-being by connecting people and communities, encouraging more active travel and improving our environment.
“Greater Manchester is changing. Our population and economy are growing, and we are making more decisions about jobs, housing and transport here in GM.
