7.3 Future Progress

Public Transport Services

7.3.1 Although we have largely maintained the coverage of the bus network and improved access in a number of areas, there are others where studies (carried out in partnership between local authorities and GMPTE) or local consultation have identified solutions that are proving difficult to implement. The risk is that expectations are raised unduly. Accessibility Planning is intended to identify non transport solutions (such as changes in appointment times/ shift patterns or improvements in information) as well as transport ones, but the perception is still widespread that the solution to access problems is to provide a bus service.  It is rarely the case that funding can be identified for non-transport solutions. The lack of revenue funding available to support new services (which would not be commercially viable) means that this is not always possible. Financial contributions from new developments are sought wherever appropriate, but there is often a need to pool resources from a number of developments, so improvements can take a long time to implement.

7.3.2 In order to bring in additional resources, we have submitted an Interreg IV bid, ‘Bridging Mobility Gaps: Improving Connectivity and Mobility Access’. This is based on the fact that the ‘first and last miles’ often determine how a journey is made. If people are unable or unwilling to walk to/from the stop or station, they will not use public transport. The bid, working with 11 partners, would create a ‘competence hub’ to make the best use of door to door transport services, particularly through improving the integration of booking and scheduling systems. If successful, this would help to meet Audit Commission concerns about the high level of spend on social needs transport and the need to make efficiency savings through improved co-ordination. Whilst Greater Manchester authorities agree on the need for a coherent strategy, they recognise that delivery is difficult because of different organisations and linkages in each Authority

7.3.3 The fact that a number of Districts have included accessibility targets in their Local Area Agreements and that transport is seen as having a role to play in achieving other targets eg related to worklessness will increase partnership working and hopefully identify additional funding sources to implement improvements. Travel training is one example of a transport scheme that helps to deliver wider objectives. In Manchester alone there are 30,000 people claiming Incapacity Benefit, half of whom wish to return to employment, and transport has been identified as a barrier to taking up employment or training opportunities. Often this arises simply from a lack of knowledge about the network.  Travel training could help Job Centre Plus to meet targets in this respect, so that people can be assisted in understanding how they can reach job opportunities via the public transport network. It could also help to support the reconfiguration of adult services in local authorities and the health sector. We have submitted a bid for ERDF funding to progress this work.

Public Transport Infrastructure

7.3.4 We are working on schemes to replace Ashton and Wythenshawe bus stations, as part of town centre developments.

7.3.5 We have developed a Rail Station Improvement Strategy to focus on passenger safety, security and information systems at 48 designated rail stations. An initial three year programme to 2009/10 will improve 17 stations, for which 'scheme packages' have been developed. GMPTE are working closely with Northern Rail and Network Rail to develop and deliver the planned enhancements and it is anticipated that the first 17 stations will be delivered by the end of 2009. Further stations could be added, depending on additional funding sources. For example, 'Access for All Small Scheme Funding' has been approved for 2008/09 for information and security improvements at Burnage, Cheadle Hulme, Guide Bridge, Mauldeth Road and Swinton and the Wigan and Bolton Transport Infrastructure Fund (GMtif) is providing funding for five further stations in Wigan and Bolton. Developer funding has also been secured as a contribution to some schemes. The current intention is that the remaining Greater Manchester stations will be improved in the period up to 2012, subject to funding.

7.3.6 We have previously found it difficult to implement station improvements, but have now made significant progress in reaching agreement with rail industry partners:

  • Agreement has been reached with Network Rail and Northern Rail to carry out  improvements identified by GMPTE as part of their own planned works at a number of stations ie managing the construction stage of the projects. This is the most efficient way to work, as GMPTE does not currently have an approved Safety Management System (Railway Safety Case)
  • A new and more streamlined approach to rail industry approvals has been agreed with Network Rail and Northern Rail. This allows for generic approvals to be produced for programmes of works, removing the need for individual approvals
  • In principle agreement has been reached with Network Rail and Northern Rail regarding the ownership of any new infrastructure. Assets would be owned by Northern Rail and so operating and maintaining them would form part of their business case. Subject to DfT approval, this will mitigate the risk of GMPTE being required to fund any ongoing renewal, operating and maintenance costs.

7.3.7 The following rail schemes are also planned up to the end of March 2011:

  • A scheme at Bolton Station is currently being developed and costed by Network Rail. This will relocate the train stop positions to a point nearer to the stairs and lifts on Platforms 3 and 4 and provide enhanced station wide security and real time CIS system, improved toilets facilities, new waiting facilities, seating, and refurbishment of the buildings on Platform 3, the ticket office and booking hall. The scheme will be part funded by Network Rail.
  • Improvements to Oxford Road station in Manchester, including the possibility of introducing a new bridge over the platforms and creating wheelchair access to the final platform.
  •  Improvement works at 7 stations across Bolton and Wigan to provide co-coordinated CIS ( passenger information displays and automated announcements), CCTV monitoring, recording and playback facilities and new infrastructure for local, live PA announcements. The works, at Atherton, Bromley Cross, Daisy Hill, Farnworth, Hag Fold, Hindley and Lostock, will be funded through GMtif.
  • A major improvement of Victoria Station

7.3.8 The Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink stop lies at the heart of the network and is becoming overcrowded during peak times. The stop will be reconstructed during Spring 2009 to widen the platforms and better comply with current accessibility requirements.

Fares and ticketing

7.3.9 We are aware that the present system of fares and ticketing is complicated and may well deter some potential passengers. Paying cash for tickets on the bus causes delays, passengers are not sure whether they are buying the best value ticket and to make matters worse, it is not always possible to buy one ticket covering the whole of the journey, particularly if more than one transport mode is used. We will therefore be working with the operators, who set the fares on buses and trains,  to develop and introduce a simpler and easier integrated fares and ticketing system. This could  include:

  • A multi-operator and multi-mode ticketing system that is affordable and easy to understand and use. 
  • Improving integration within the bus network, and between the bus, train and tram systems, so that passengers can buy one ticket for the whole of their journey, even if they are changing en route.
  • An ITSO Smart Card similar to the Oyster Card in London. This can be used as a day travelcard, weekly or longer season ticket, or on a “pay as you go” basis. This would build on our experience with the pilot scheme in Bolton (introduced in 2008).  

7.3.10 To make this happen, we will need to work with operators to migrate to a  simpler  fares structure.   Options include simplifying the number of fare zones with fixed boundaries, that will make it easier for passengers to understand how much a journey will cost.  However we recognise that this is a complex and detailed task that will take some time to complete.

Cycling and Walking

7.3.11 We will continue to implement our Action Plan for Cycling, including the construction of the route network as set out in the  cycle network programme.

7.3.12 We intend to update both the COPECAT pedestrian / cycle  audit procedure and the Greater Manchester Cycle Parking Standards in the next year, following the development of a Cycle Design Guide.

7.3.13 In response to the high number of requests for cycle route information on the www.cyclegm.org website, our marketing activity for the remainder of the LTP2 period will focus on meeting this demand. A web-based interactive route mapping tool will be launched in 2008/09, allowing users to select the area they are interested in, and zoom in and out. Greater Manchester is participating in the Cycling England / Transport Direct internet cycle journey planner project. This facility due to be available in 2009, will be able to suggest various routes based on different criteria between specific points. It will also provide a comprehensive network database which could form the basis of future maps, monitoring and accessibility work.

7.3.14 There are actions to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, such as improving training, and reducing traffic speeds, which will be facilitated by the Greater Manchester Cycling & Walking Officer  and the creation of the Road Safety central team.

7.3.15 By reviving the Greater Manchester Walking Sub-group the existing strategy and action plan are to be refreshed and updated to ensure a cohesive approach to achieving the walking targets LTP10e and 11. Further development of walking initiatives will provide a foundation on which we can springboard a cultural change towards more active lifestyles. Only by exploiting links with other partners, such as Children and Young People Services and the Primary Care Trust, through strategies such as the Childhood Obesity and Healthy Towns, will we achieve a change in culture and see an increase in walking trips. 

7.3.16 One such initiative that is being explored is the introduction of the web-based journey planner Walkit.com across Greater Manchester. Wigan are leading the way on this through partnership working with their PCT who will utilise it to encourage more active travel and promote healthier lifestyles via their Health Trainers.      

7.3.17 Our improved partnership with the NHS will enable both Local Authorities and the Health Service to take advantage of more opportunities for joint working, especially regarding publicity and encouragement of active travel modes.