The draft Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 is to be considered by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) at a meeting on Friday 18 March 2016.

Building on the “Greater Manchester Transport Strategy: Our Vision”, which was consulted on during summer 2015, TfGM has worked with the Greater Manchester local authorities to produce a draft strategy for GMCA to consider. The proposed draft strategy focuses on an ambitious new approach to planning Greater Manchester’s transport system over the next 25 years to support the city region’s long-term needs and aspirations.

The draft strategy proposes wide-ranging ambitions and broad interventions across highways, public transport, walking and cycling. It identifies different types of travel, from global connectivity to support overseas trade and leisure markets, right down to the critical local trips that people make on a daily basis from their homes to work, school, shops, services, and local transport interchanges. 

Members are being asked to review the draft ahead of proposed consultation during summer 2016. 

Greater Manchester Interim Mayor Tony Lloyd said: “A transport strategy might not sound exciting in itself, but it will affect the transport options that people travelling into and around Greater Manchester make each and every day, so is absolutely vital to everyone.
“This is about Greater Manchester creating a successful, resilient city region, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, and the proposed draft strategy shows how we can do that.
"Our plans include funded priorities, such as opening a new Metrolink line to Trafford Park and new town centre public transport interchanges in Ashton, Bolton, Oldham Mumps, Stockport and Wigan. But, crucially, we are looking beyond this towards a future, integrated and comprehensive travel network for all parts of Greater Manchester.

"Our early thinking includes potential new orbital links to help residents access jobs at places like the Airport, future high capacity Metrolink services for Manchester city centre and a transformed Piccadilly station to integrate HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, local rail and Metrolink. 
“We want to build on our growing reputation as a cycle city region, establish a renaissance across our bus network and continue to improve facilities at key interchange points on our network. And, of course, we will also need a reliable and resilient highways system.

"In addition, with devolution we have the opportunity to create a truly integrated transport network, with simple and integrated fares and ticketing that will make travel easier in Greater Manchester."

Once finalised, together with a five-year Delivery Plan and other supporting documentation, the 2040 Transport Strategy will replace the current Local Transport Plan (LTP3, published in 2011).

It is proposed that a 12-week consultation on the final draft of the 2040 Transport Strategy and five-year Delivery Plan is launched in summer 2016, following publication of the draft Buses Bill. 

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com or call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays).

Find out more about the 2040 Vision at www.tfgm.com/2040.