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Wednesday, 18 July 2007Greater Manchester transport chief honoured with special award
Chair of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Roger Jones, has been honoured for his services to transport at the prestigious National Transport Awards.
The city region's transport leader was singled out by judges to receive an award for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Local Transport' at the ceremony in London last night.
The audience heard that Councillor Jones has demonstrated "conviction and courage at local level" in his pursuit of public transport improvements.
He was congratulated for his commitment to improving local bus services and "crusade in support of an extension to his city's light rail system, Metrolink".
Chair of the judging panel, transport expert Professor David Begg, said: "Over the years, Roger Jones has shown a passionate support for public transport.
"Most recently he has articulated a powerful case why charging motorists for using congested road space tied to a step change in public transport provision is right for the economy and the environment in his area.
"The judges single out someone for this award who has shown conviction and courage at local level in pursuing an agenda that is right from a policy perspective but which is tough politically. This year's winner ticks both boxes."
Councillor Jones said: "I am honoured to receive this award. It is a privilege to act as Chair for GMPTA at this exciting time in transport and to push for such a major investment in Greater Manchester's public transport network. I would not be doing my job properly if I didn't take a vocal lead on our Transport Innovation Fund bid.
"We have plans for the biggest and most far-reaching transport improvement programme ever launched outside London. I'm in no doubt it will be good for Greater Manchester, good for public transport and good for the travelling public. I am delighted to receive this public support for the work and would also like to thank all the GMPTA members for their full support."
Roger Jones has been a Salford councillor since 1982. He became a member of the GMPTA in 1998 and was elected as its Chair in 2001.
Since then, he has been at the forefront of the campaign for major improvements to local bus services, which has culminated in the recent publication of the government's draft Local Transport Bill.
He has also successfully led the campaign for major expansion of Greater Manchester's highly successful Metrolink network. Last year government agreed a £640 million funding package to build more Metrolink lines and make major improvements to the existing system.
Greater Manchester's Transport Innovation Fund bid, due to be considered by Greater Manchester leaders later this month, could lead to a £3 billion investment in Greater Manchester's public transport network over the next few years, as well as the introduction of a limited congestion charge.
The National Transport Awards are held in association with the Transport Times. They recognise transport initiatives which are working and aim to reward local authorities and transport organisations which have made a difference.
GMPTA was named Passenger Transport Authority of the Year at the 2006 National Transport Awards.
Media contact: David Harris or Becky Marr on 0161 244 1055, or email mediarelations@gmpte.gov.uk
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