You are in > manchester.com  > News > Manchester transport chiefs need more power, says report

General Manchester news

Manchester transport chiefs need more power, says report

04/03/2008

Manchester transport chiefs should be given the power to take control of buses and trains in the city-region, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research North (IPPR North).

The study calls for the strengthening of the local transport bill, which will have its second parliamentary reading in the spring.

It also recommends that ministers give more money to local transport schemes, which should be augmented with supplementary business rates and road user charges.

Councillor Roger Jones, chair of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, has welcomed the report.

"It is good to hear a respected, independent body agreeing that we need more local controls over public transport, particularly the routes and timetables of buses," he commented.

Mr Jones said he would like to have the power to provide integrated train and bus services for the convenience of travellers.

The IPPR North has also stressed the need to strengthen public transport services in more remote and rural areas.