Clear up uncertainty on funding and powers on local transport, city regions tell parties

The Urban Transport Group is telling the political parties that the city regions are delivering transport improvements but are stymied by fluctuating local transport funding and uncertainty over bus franchising.

The transport authorities' report highlights the expansion of the Manchester Metrolink, overhaul of the Tyne and Wear Metro and introduction of cycleways as evidence of success but says that Government makes the job harder with unpredictable transport funding subject to resource-hungry competitions and monitoring. The group urges ministers and opposition MPs to allow it do more with a new deal on funding, including the exploration of new funding streams. The uncertainty over the Bus Services Bill following the appointment of a new PM and transport secretary also urgently needs resolution, it says.

Dr Jon Mamonte, chair of the UTC, and CEO of Transport for Greater Manchester, said: "More devolution is paying off. Let's build on these foundations."