Transport Resource Unit update - February 09

With financial pressures from all angles, GMPTA has taken the decision to increase the concessionary fare by another 10p, to 80p (in 2007 it was increased from 50p to 70p). In real terms this is a 60% increase over 3 years and has prompted GMPTA to appeal for a Government subsidy to fix the fare at a flat 50p. The UK Youth Parliament has gone one step further and is calling for free public transport for all under-18's in full time education with their 'Fares Fair' campaign - http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/public_transport/pages/about.html 

GMPTA as it was, no longer exists. From today, Monday 9th February, GMPTA becomes GMITA - the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority. The main implications of this change are that GMITA will be able to grow in size by taking in new areas (or shrink) and will take on some extra powers, including the power to take any steps they consider will improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of their local communities. There's a press release about this on the GMPTE website: http://www.gmpte.com/news.cfm?news_id=6111107

In other news, the Department for Transport have recently launched a consultation on improving the accessibility of taxis. This is an issue that has been raised with TRU in the past so we'd be interested to hear from any groups who are planning to respond to the consultation.

If you can spare 5 minutes, we'd be grateful if you could fill in a short GMCVO survey to help shape our future work and engagement on policy issues: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=oc6dg_2fedjabtY40FAbWRkw_3d_3d  

And finally, if you've ever fancied becoming a cycle training instructor, Cycling England is currently offering £300 bursaries towards the cost of training. More info here: http://www.bikeability.org.uk/professionals/instructor_bursaries.php