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Tory MP samples Manchester public transport

29/01/2007

The Conservative shadow minister for transport has said he supports the idea of giving Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) more control over bus services but has refused to support re-regulation.

Stephen Hammond MP has met with Manchester councillors to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of the city-region's public transport system.

As well as visiting Victoria Rail Station and riding the Metrolink to Sale, he traversed Wilmslow Road and Oxford Road by bus, which is the busiest route in Europe.

Mr Hammond said: "I am reviewing our strategy on buses and was interested to witness Manchester's problems for myself.

"I will not support re-regulation but do believe we need to consider giving local politicians and passenger transport authorities greater input over bus routes."

He added that operators must commit to providing a long-term service to the residents of Greater Manchester.

Since the Tories deregulated bus services in 1986, bus journeys in Greater Manchester have fallen by 38 per cent, while bus fares have risen 42 per cent above inflation, according to the GMPTA.




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