Manchester is embarking on a new mission to revolutionise public transport. The city is set to follow in the footsteps of the capital with the development of its London-style transport system. The idea will be ready in a few years and will allow passengers to tap in and out of public transport using a contactless card or smartphone.
The “tap and go,” system, which has been operating in London for many years now, has been a tremendous success and has really changed the way that passengers use public transport in the capital. For Londoners, getting around the city has never been quicker and more convenient.
The system will be launched in Greater Manchester and will be included on buses, trains, and trams. It will introduce “full multi-modal fares” alongside ticketing integration across the entire public transport system—meaning commuters and travellers can easily switch modes of transport under one fare.
Manchester Major, Andy Burnham, says:
By 2030, people who live just outside of Greater Manchester will be able to tap in there, but enter the Greater Manchester system, and that will mean that public transport becomes a much more attractive and affordable option for lots of people who commute into Greater Manchester.
Accessibility
One of the aims of the new system is to make transport more accessible in the city for everyone. Those with mobility issues or a disability will no longer have to queue for tickets when changing modes of transport. The new system will also prove useful for anyone who does not travel regularly and therefore does not have a travel pass.
Safer Transport
As part of the agreement, the government and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have agreed to work together to pinpoint the exact legal authority required for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to successfully address issues such as anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on the bus network. To achieve this, they may need to introduce new bylaws or regulations.
Change for the future
In the past, Manchester has come under criticism for traffic congestion—but with this investment from The Greater Manchester Combined Authority, things are set to change. Buses, trams and trains in Greater Manchester are to be connected under one system (like London’s) by 2030. Other changes that have been made include the expansion of the tram network and the addition of new bus routes. These changes are part of a wider plan to create a fully integrated travel system in Manchester, making it easier for people to get around this booming UK city.
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