Corporate
Throughout Great Britain, with the exception of Greater London, public transport is operated by commercial companies who decide what services to run and what fares to charge. However, these services do not always meet the social needs of the community as a whole.
GMPTE's role in Public Transport
Independent from the Authority, GMPTE carries out their policies either by providing and managing facilities itself or by contracting with bus, tram and train operators to provide them. GMPTE does not actually run buses, trams or trains; its role and functions can be summarized as follows:
- GMPTE pays for bus services which are not provided commercially by bus operators.
- GMPTE owns bus stations, shelters and stops in Greater Manchester and works to ensure all the information you'll see there is correct.
- GMPTE subsidises concessionary fares and free travel facilities on buses throughout the region, including paying to keep non-profitable services running where you need them most.
- GMPTE carries out the policies of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority to ensure that local rail services meet local travel needs.
- GMPTE owns the innovative and successful Metrolink system which carries over 19 million passengers a year.
- GMPTE actively campaigns to promote public transport in Greater Manchester, to improve the environment and cut congestion.
Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority
Integrated Transport Authorities are responsible for providing the services and facilities which the market does not provide in large conurbations. Elsewhere this responsibility is undertaken by local County Councils.
The County of Greater Manchester has an Integrated Transport Authority. It is located in the North West of England and consists of ten District Councils; Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
The District Council in each of these areas contributes finance from local taxes and appoints local councillors to the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority to represent their district. The Authority decides on public transport policy for the county and provides the funds for GMPTE to carry out these policies. GMPTE is the trading name of the county's Passenger Transport Executive whose role is to carry out these policies.