The Department for Transport has announced that vital transport services in Greater Manchester are to protected thanks to an additional funding settlement.
In order to ensure the stability of Greater Manchester’s transport network, an extraordinary funding settlement of £18 million is being committed to helping Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The area’s extensive public transport network will be supported, with one focus being on considering value for money for all taxpayers.
Funding is being provided to TfGM on the condition that it can identify the ‘pathway to financial stability’ that was committed to in the Trailblazer Devolution Deal and will last until the end of March 2024. This development also follows the allocation of more than £400 million to Greater Manchester’s transport network, through a number of different schemes since March 2020. The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements and Levelling Up Funds for Transport have also been behind the investment of £1.07 billion and £19.87 billion respectively.
Mark Harper, Transport Secretary, said:
“Since the start of the pandemic, the government has repeatedly stepped up to support Greater Manchester and the Bee Network, providing over £400 million to protect and improve services.
“We’re determined to see a thriving local transport network in this great city and, while our support package must be fair to taxpayers, I am confident this additional extraordinary settlement will help operators to recover from the pandemic while Transport for Greater Manchester follows through on its promise to reach financial sustainability.”
There are a number of very distinct circumstances that are being face by TfGM, with the leading one being how Metrolink’s funding is structured, alongside the commitment to the Greater Manchester Transport Fund from the city region, which is a unique local funding commitment.
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