Final Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 published

The final version of the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 to improve transport across the region has been released.

The plan developed by Transport for Greater Manchester on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership outlines the long-term strategy for travel in the region.

The strategy puts forward the vision for Greater Manchester as having ‘World class connections that support long-term, sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all’.

It predicts that the population in Greater Manchester is set to increase rapidly and as such will need to accommodate 600,000 more trips on a daily basis on the region’s transport network by 2035.

A five-year delivery plan released alongside the strategy breaks down the first stage of implementation from 2016 – 2021.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Tony Lloyd, said: “The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 is a vital building block in planning for the future of our city region and the needs of travelling customers are at the heart of these plans.

“Having this framework in place allows us to shape and create a successful, resilient city region, ensuring the sustainable success of Greater Manchester for generations to come.

“Finalising our strategy is only the beginning. We are already working to deliver the first phase of activity outlined in these plans; building the new Metrolink line to Trafford Park and the Trafford Centre; creating new, enhanced interchanges in Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Stockport and Wigan; and making improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.

“What’s really important is that these plans incorporate the views of individuals, organisations and businesses from across the city region as well as from neighbouring areas, enabling us to create a long-term strategy which works for the whole of Greater Manchester and beyond.”

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) welcomed strategy’s focus on improving strategic road connectivity.

Malcolm Bingham, FTA’s Head of Policy for the North of England, said: “The strategy makes reference to HGV operations during peak periods, which is a positive if it saves trucks sitting in traffic when there is no need.  However, that means educating the freight industry’s customers about when and how to schedule deliveries, particularly in the emerging digital economy.

“It is good to see joined-up thinking in setting up a transport system for the area that looks to join up a Key Route Network with the strategic roads of the M6, M60 and the M62.

“The aim to create reliability of the network is a major challenge and we would look to work with the combined authority to ensure that freight operators receive detailed information to enable them to make informed decisions on how they route traffic.”

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