Transport shake-up - are you on board?

MOST car owners see their vehicle as an absolute necessity and think they would be totally lost if they had to rely on public transport.

But would we think differently if there were drastic improvements to the Greater Manchester transport network?

Reporter DAWN ECKERSLEY found out what effect the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) proposals will have on Oldhamers

WHY is congestion a problem for Greater Manchester?

Congestion is getting worse with vehicle speeds falling by 2.5 per cent and traffic increasing by 12 per cent meaning journeys take longer.

Businesses see traffic congestion as a future threat and it is feared that new businesses looking for a base may search elsewhere.

The number of commuters relying on public transport is on the rise leading to overcrowding and passenger dissatisfaction as the bus, train and tram networks struggle to cope.

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) believes the TIF package makes it possible to address all the issues in one investment package.


Trams

There will be well-publicised Metrolink extensions to Oldham town centre as well as Rochdale, Manchester Airport, Ashton and Didsbury which will triple the network and boost passenger numbers up to 70 million each year.

The service will run every six to 12 minutes between 6am and at least 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday. There will also be new Park and Ride sites in Shaw & Crompton, Derker and Hollinwood.


Trains

The Government has promised to deliver extra carriages to allow an extra 7,000 rail trips during the morning rush hour and there will be improvement work at 41 stations.


Buses
At present, 80 per cent of public transport journeys are made by bus. TIF plans include extra services at peak times, feeder buses to train and tram stations and extra bus lanes allowing for shorter journey times.

More remote neighbourhoods will be targeted for additional services.

CCTV and better lighting will be installed at bus stops to improve safety and security and there will be real time information displays at the busiest stops.


Congestion charging
Only vehicles heading into Manchester between 7 and 9.30am and out of Manchester between 4 and 6.30pm will be charged.

Exact fees are still being discussed but it’s thought the maximum daily charge will be around £3.60.

Exemptions will apply to blue badge holders, motorcycles, taxis, buses and emergency vehicles and there will be discounts for low income workers and those with regular medical appointments.


Smartcard

An electronic card will allow passengers to move from one type of transport to another without having to buy multiple tickets.

It makes journey times quicker as drivers don’t have to spend as much time issuing tickets and results in less litter as it is a paperless system.


School buses

GMPTE will introduce 120 purpose-built yellow school buses with a further 170 planned for the future.

Buses will pick up pupils close to their homes and there will be a guaranteed seat for each child. Children will sign a code of conduct and there will be CCTV on board to minimise any trouble.


Cyclists and pedestrians
More than 2,500 secure cycle parking spaces will be created at 250 locations including train and tram stations and local landmarks. Pavements will be widened, streetlights will be improved and signposts will be updated in a bid to make life easier and safer for pedestrians.


Roadshows

There will be exhibitions at various points throughout Greater Manchester over the next few months to allow the public to find out more and ask questions.

These will be at the Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill (Wednesday, August 6, 10am-5.30pm); Market Place, Oldham (Saturday, August 16, 10am-5pm and Sunday, August 17, 10.30am-4.30pm); and Market Ground, Shaw (Thursday, September 11, 11am-7pm).


Have your say

Brochures are being sent out to all households in Greater Manchester which will include a response form and pre-paid envelope.

Alternatively, visit www.gmfuturetransport.com, call 0800 234 6100, send an email to gmfuturetransport@ipsos-mori.com or send a text message to 60013.