Newly-re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has vowed to accelerate plans for improved, London-style transport network.
Putting a "transport revolution" across Greater Manchester at the centre of plans for his second term, Mr Burnham is planning "immediate talks" with the Government to accelerate bus franchising, with new target of 2024.
His proposals also include 95 electric vehicle charging points to be delivered by the end of the year, with a further 200 by end of 2022, as well as a bike hire scheme launching in November, with a delivery partner announced next month.
The mayor also wants to see 100km of cycling and walking routes completed by the end of year while he has asked Transport for Greater Manchester to accelerate plans to bring the Metrolink to Middleton.
He will also chair the inaugural meeting of Bee Network delivery board.
In advance of the first meeting of the Mayor’s new Bee Network Delivery Board, he has unveiled a raft of measures to improve Greater Manchester’s transport system, making it more integrated, affordable and easier to use.
He said: "Across the world, the most successful city-regions have one thing in common – an affordable, integrated and accessible transport network.
"People in Greater Manchester have made clear that they won’t settle for second best any longer - that is why on day one of my second term as Mayor I’m vowing to accelerate the delivery of a world-class transport network for our city-region and its people. It is absolutely critical to our future economic and social prosperity.
"People here deserve a transport network where you can seamlessly travel across our city-region on buses, trams and trains - without spending a fortune each time.
"We will deliver this alongside hundreds of new electric vehicle charging points, a bike hire scheme and world-class cycling and walking corridors which will make everyday trips to school, to work and to the shops safe, easy and fun. This will benefit our people and our planet as we step up our plans for carbon neutrality."
The mayor has also written to Rochdale Council to offer his support for the creation of a new partnership to drive the regeneration of Middleton town centre, and is asking TfGM to accelerate the development of a business case to bring Metrolink to Middleton.
