New era for transport as GMPTA gets a change of name

Date published: 07/02/2009

New era for transport as GMPTA gets a change of name
The authority in charge of public transport in Greater Manchester is to get a new name for the first time in its 23-year history.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) becomes Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) on Monday 9 February.

The new name is the first of a wave of changes being introduced by the Local Transport Act 2008. It reflects GMITA’s wider transport role and new powers, as it takes on a more strategic responsibility for planning and delivering transport improvements.

Further changes to be introduced later this year will strengthen the role of ITAs in the planning and delivery of better bus services.

Councillor Matt Colledge, Chair of the new GMITA, said: “As an authority of locally elected members we really act as the passengers’ champion – so it is very good news for local bus, tram and train users that we are being given more responsibilities and powers.

“The name change is just the first in a series of transport reforms emerging from the new Local Transport Act, which is the most important piece of transport legislation in over 20 years.

“Among other things, the Act will give us a greater say in how bus services are planned and run. I look forward to working with my colleagues on GMITA to continue improving public transport in Greater Manchester.”

GMITA is being given sole responsibility for producing Greater Manchester’s Local Transport Plan, although will continue to work closely with local authorities to prepare it. The government uses this plan to decide how much money to allocate Greater Manchester for transport improvements.

Vice Chair of the new GMITA, Councillor Keith Whitmore, commented: “Ultimately this is more than just a name change. The law now makes it absolutely clear that we are the lead authority on all public transport policy for Greater Manchester.

“We will continue to work very closely with public transport operators, particularly with bus operators. But the Local Transport Act means that we can strengthen our partnership working with bus operators in law if needed.

“This is good news for passengers and we intend to continue helping them get the first class system and services that they deserve.”

England’s six Passenger Transport Authorities all become ITAs on Monday 9 February.
The new ITAs are also gaining the same ‘wellbeing’ powers as local authorities. This will give ITAs more legal leeway to implement policies which contribute to the wellbeing of the areas they serve.

GMPTA formed in 1986 following the deregulation of the bus network under the Transport Act 1985. Since 1986 bus services in Greater Manchester have been provided commercially by private bus companies, rather than by the public sector.

GMITA will continue to fund concessionary fares and ‘socially necessary’ services that are not provided commercially. Currently these services make up around 18 per cent of the bus network in the county.