English city regions to get £6.9bn for public transport in next week's Budget
The £5.7bn is a five-year settlement, and has been increased from the initial £4.2bn proposed, the Treasury said.Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed to spending on a "bus revolution"Labour's Andy Burnham said the cash was "an important first step towards a London-style public transport system for Greater Manchester".
"That will only happen when the frequency and coverage of bus services are increased and fares are lowered to London levels," Mr Burnham added. "From more metro lines and train stations, to new bus routes and electric vehicle charging points, this cash will help us to continue to build a clean, green transport network that connects communities and tackles the climate emergency."Silviya Barrett, head of policy and research at the Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the increased funding for trams, trains and "active travel" but wanted the government to end the process of regions competing for bus funding.
"Many areas have bus fares that are too high and gaping holes in services, so they need funding to put their bus service improvement plans in place," Ms Barrett said.