§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the number of urban trams and trolley bus systems built in the United Kingdom in the last 20 years, (b) the number of passengers carried by each tram/trolley bus system operating in the United Kingdom in 1997–98, (c) those tram/trolley bus systems currently under construction and (d) the bids submitted to the Government for future construction of tram/trolley bus systems. [31213]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThere are four principal light rail/tram systems in the United Kingdom which have been built in the last 20 years. Passenger data for 1997–98 are not yet available. The most recent figures available (for 1996–97) are as shown:
millions 1996–97 Tyne and Wear Metro 35.4 Docklands Light Railway 17.0 Greater Manchester Metrolink 13.4 South Yorkshire Supertram 7.8 Source:
Transport Statistics Great Britain 1997.
Construction work is currently underway on Midland Metro Line One in Birmingham, Croydon Tramlink and the extension of Manchester Metrolink to Eccles via Salford Quays. There are proposals for several more light rail schemes around the country. Statutory powers have already been obtained for Leeds Supertram, Nottingham Express Transit and Manchester Metrolink extensions to Manchester Airport, Dumplington, Trafford Park, East Didsbury, Oldham and Rochdale. A Public Inquiry into the extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro to Sunderland and South Hylton commenced on 27 January 1998 and was concluded on 3 February 1998.