How do you see the future of transport in Greater Manchester?

How you see the future of transport in Greater Manchester? People are being asked for their views as 12-week consultation on a 20-year strategy launches.

The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 sets out long-term proposals to create a cleaner, greener, more prosperous city region through better connections and simpler travel.

It considers all aspects of travel from local neighbourhoods to global markets with the aim of creating an integrated, sustainable, and well co-ordinated transport system which supports a wide range of different travel needs.

The consultation, launched today by Tony Lloyd, interim mayor of Greater Manchester, gives local people the opportunity to shape the future of travel as part of an ambitious approach to planning in support of long-term needs and aspirations.

Proposals for consideration include:

-Integrated smart ticketing system for public transport

-Increased capacity for rapid transit in Manchester city centre, including exploring the feasibility of tunnels

-Re-development of Piccadilly station to integrate HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, local rail and Metrolink

-Faster rail journeys across the North and to London and Birmingham

-Improved trans-Pennine connectivity

-Improved public transport access between the Airport, HS2 and the Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone

-A Ship Canal wharf, rail and road links at Port Salford.

-Increased cashless payment options for account based travel including an integrated smart ticketing system for public transport

-Car clubs and cycle hire (potentially including electric) schemes to expand the GM transport offer.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd said: “This is about creating a world-class transport system for the future that will help us realise the ambitions of this great city region of ours.

“An effective transport system supports a strong economy and it has a major bearing on people’s health and well-being by connecting people and communities, encouraging more active travel and improving our environment.

“Greater Manchester is changing. Our population and economy are growing, and we are making more decisions about jobs, housing and transport here in GM.”

The strategy has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).