§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the use of public transport in Merseyside. [4017]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonGuidance relating to the 1998–99 Transport Policies and Programmes (TPP) budget will shortly be issued to local authorities and passenger transport authorities. This guidance will emphasise that bids for funding must demonstrate effective plans for reducing car dependency and encouraging other modes of transport including public transport, cycling and walking. Package bids will be partly assessed on the extent to which they provide for the development of integrated and sustainable transport policies.
Through the TPP, Capital Challenge and Objective 1 programmes a substantial investment has been made in improving the public transport infrastructure in Merseyside and it is anticipated that future Package bids within the region will, through appropriate targets for bus and rail passenger usage, adequately reflect the value of this investment.