TRANSPORT chiefs in Greater Manchester are taking their mission for improved public transport in the region to the Labour Party conference in Brighton. Top brass from Greater Manchester's Passenger Transport Authority are meeting MPs and other decision makers at the conference in to promote the benefits of effective public transport. The aim of the Authority's initiative, carried out with the backing of Manchester Airport, is to encourage all political parties to recognise the value of, and invest in, public transport.

Chairman of the GMPTA, Cllr Joe Clarke, said: "Greater Manchester's Metrolink is an excellent light rail system that has been proven to work - it now carries more than 12.5 million passengers a year, two million of whom are choosing to use the system in preference to their cars.

"It works because it offers a high quality service. I wish that all bus and rail services in Greater Manchester could do the same, but thanks to the double spectres of deregulation and privatisation most do not.

"We are continually trying to improve the services offered, despite the shackles placed on us by Government policies, despite the lack of powers we have, and despite the appalling lack of investment and interest this Government has bestowed on public transport throughout the country."

He added: "I am looking forward to discussing the benefits of public transport, including Metrolink, with senior Labour politicians and delegates. The Authority is working to deliver a fully integrated public transport system that will ensure that economic growth is environmentally sustainable for future generations in our country."

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