Why a bid?

The economy
Greater Manchester’s economy is growing rapidly. But research indicates that the city-region’s economic potential for growth and job creation will outstrip the transport system's ability to physically support these new jobs. Up to one in seven new jobs could be at risk if the transport system is not expanded to cope with this pressure.

Congested roads
As the economy grows our roads get busier and car ownership is increasing at roughly 25% every ten years. Since 2000 traffic speeds in the morning rush hour in Greater Manchester have slowed by almost 20%.

This congestion adds to business costs and increases pollution.

Crowded public transport
At the same time, more people are using public transport. The numbers using trains and Metrolink to commute into Manchester have increased by over a third since 2000.

Something needs to be done to tackle this overcrowding, otherwise increasingly long journey times will put people off working in Greater Manchester and businesses will suffer from a reduction in their available workforce.