A LEIGH councillor is returning as chair of a regional transport committee which will aim to over see the delivery an integrated London-style network.

Councillor Mark Aldred will head the Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC).

It comes as the region aims to progress with its delivery of the Bee Network, an integrated, London-style transport network.

GMTC is a joint committee made up of decision-makers from the ten Greater Manchester councils, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

It represents residents and businesses across Greater Manchester to ensure operators, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and authorities are being held to account with the delivery and performance of transport services present and future, making sure they are effective and best serving those living, working, and visiting Greater Manchester.

Cllr Aldred, an elected member of Wigan Council, representing the Atherleigh ward, was confirmed as chair by members last week, replacing outgoing chair, Cllr Andrew Western.

Cllr Aldred brings considerable transport expertise to the role, having previously served as GMTC chair between August 2019 and June 2022.

He also sits as current chair of the GMTC Bus Sub-Committee.

Cllr Mark Aldred, chair of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee, said: “I am delighted to be taking up the reins once again as chair of the GMTC and would like to thank fellow committee members for their support.

“The role of the committee is more important than ever in holding operators, TfGM and other bodies to account for delivering important transport services to the people of Greater Manchester as we recover from a global pandemic and support our residents during the cost-of-living crisis.

“Not only that, the city-region is progressing with the delivery of a fully-integrated transport network, the Bee Network, which includes the return of buses to public control and ensuring residents have easy access to bus, rail and Metrolink services. We also continue our plans to deliver the largest cycling and walking network in the UK.

“Now, more than ever, we need a transport system that is affordable and accessible to all and allows people to better connect with opportunities across the region. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Committee Members from all parts of Greater Manchester, as we make sure the needs of Greater Manchester residents are at the heart of how transport services are planned and delivered.”

'We're making great strides

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: “We are making great strides in public transport reform to deliver an integrated London-style system for our city-region, and I welcome the considerable experience and leadership that Cllr Aldred will bring to the role.

“I look forward to working closely with Mark once again as chair and of course the rest of the committee on the transport agenda, building on their achievements so far around the scrutiny and delivery of the transformative Bee Network vision.”

ENDS