Understand
Greater Manchester public transport a decade behind London, says travel boss
Overview
Greater Manchester's active travel commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey, has stated that the city region's public transport system is roughly a decade behind London due to an over-reliance on cars. Speaking at an event celebrating 50 new school streets, Storey highlighted the Bee Network's ongoing efforts to encourage shifts towards walking, cycling, buses, and trams to combat traffic congestion, tackle the obesity crisis, and lower carbon emissions.
Key points
- Dame Sarah Storey stated that Greater Manchester is a decade or so behind London regarding public transport infrastructure and usage.
- The region relies heavily on cars because residents often feel they have no other viable alternative.
- An estimated one in four vehicles on Greater Manchester's congested roads during rush hour is linked to the school run.
- The Bee Network aims to tackle car reliance by integrating buses, trams, and local rail services by 2030 to form a fully integrated transport network.
- Bus use has risen by about 24% since coming under local control, and Metrolink trams are carrying record passenger numbers.