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Greater Manchester on the map for Transport Minister

Posted: 20 June 2014 | Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) | No comments yet

The Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Susan Kramer, met transport leaders yesterday to discuss the future of transport in Greater Manchester…

Baroness Kramer visits Greater Manchester

(L-R) TfGM Chief Executive Jon Lamonte, Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Susan Kramer, TfGM Metrolink Director Peter Cushing, TfGM Committee Chair Councillor Andrew Fender

The Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Susan Kramer, met transport leaders yesterday to discuss the future of transport in Greater Manchester.

Baroness Kramer visits Greater Manchester

(L-R) TfGM Chief Executive Jon Lamonte, Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Susan Kramer, TfGM Metrolink Director Peter Cushing, TfGM Committee Chair Councillor Andrew Fender

The visit was organised by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and saw the Minister taking a ride on Metrolink’s East Manchester line from the city centre to the Etihad Campus to experience the newly-expanded network.

Baroness Kramer said: “I appreciated the opportunity to see the newly expanded Metrolink and hear about TfGM’s plans for the future.

“Improved transport links have been vital to developments in Greater Manchester. We are committed to supporting local transport across the UK. It is crucial in helping economic growth and enhancing the environment.”

Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, hosted the visit.

He said: “Baroness Kramer’s visit was a great opportunity for us to show the Minister in person some of what we’ve achieved so far – such as the expansion of Metrolink – and to discuss Greater Manchester’s long-term transport plans.

“Our transport plans are ambitious and forward-looking, and it’s encouraging to see Baroness Kramer taking a strong interest in Greater Manchester and our proposals for further transport improvements that will be essential in driving and supporting economic growth across the region.”

TfGM works closely with the Department for Transport to deliver major, strategic transport improvements, with a focus on schemes that support long-term economic growth in Greater Manchester and across the north.

Among the key priorities raised were TfGM’s proposals for a new £350 million Metrolink line to Trafford Park, soon to be the subject of a public consultation.

Baroness Kramer also heard about Greater Manchester’s plans for the arrival of HS2, and its sustainable transport programme – paid for by the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund – which aims to increase cycling, walking and sustainable travel to ease congestion, improve health and reduce carbon emissions.