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Friday, 22 June 2007Public transport leader stays on

Greater Manchester's public transport leader has been re-elected to serve a seventh consecutive year.

Councillor Roger Jones will continue to oversee major public transport developments in the county as the Chair of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. He said: "I'm pleased I've been re-elected as the Chair during a year in which the future of our transport system will be determined.

"If Greater Manchester decides to submit a bid to the government's Transport Innovation Fund in July, we could see a £3 billion investment in public transport over the next few years as well as the introduction of congestion charging.

"Any bid in July will be the subject of further consultation during 2007/8 and the Authority will be overseeing this, so that we can ensure that local people are able to shape the detailed nature of these innovations.

"Other major public transport improvements are already taking place in the county. We're spending over £100 million on the existing Metrolink network, and work is well underway on replacing 20 miles of worn-out track on the Bury and Altrincham lines.

"We've also got over £500 million to build three new Metrolink lines to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester. We hope to be able to start work on the new lines next year.

"We will continue to invest in other public transport services and facilities as well. And the government's Local Transport Bill could lead to a revolution in the way local bus services are run. "We will be working closely with the government on this new legislation, which could see the end of bus wars in our town and city centres, and the introduction of much better bus services in all parts of Greater Manchester.

"I'm sure the next few years will be an exciting time for public transport in the region and I look forward to being a part of the changes."

Roger Jones has been a Salford councillor since 1982. He became a member of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority in 1998 and was elected as its chair in 2001. He was re-elected at today's Annual General Meeting.

The Passenger Transport Authority is made up of 33 councillors from the ten council districts in Greater Manchester. The Labour Group has 16 members, the Liberal Democrat Group has 12 members, including one Community Action Party councillor, and the Conservative Group has 5 members.

Media contact: David Harris or Becky Marr on 0161 244 1055, or email mediarelations@gmpte.gov.uk

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