§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date the Traffic Area Network computer system will be implemented in the whole of the United Kingdom. [3464]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Traffic Area Network (TAN) has embarked on a major change programme, called TAN 21, designed to modernise the way the organisation carries out its business. The programme includes complete renewal of all computer systems throughout the network. The ICT infrastructure—the hardware, the links between the offices and the new e-mail systems—was installed last year and is already operating nationally. The first phase of the new business system, which handles the processing of operator licences, is currently being piloted in the Scottish traffic area. Subject to satisfactory performance of the pilot, this phase of the system will be rolled out to the rest of the country shortly. We are aiming to complete implementation of all the new systems, which include new e-commerce services for the industry, computerisation of the compliance and local bus route registration systems and a new finance system, across the whole of Great Britain by the end of the year.
Light rail Scheme City Lines Construction/opening date Tyne and Wear Metro Extension to Sunderland Newcastle to Sunderland 1 line Construction began February 2000—opens 2002 Nottingham Express Transit Nottingham 1 line Construction began June 2000—opens 2003 Manchester Metrolink Extensions Manchester 3 lines Construction to start early 2002—planned to open in 2006 South Hampshire Rapid Transit Fareham to Portsmouth 1 line Construction to start late 2003–04—planned to open in 2006. Leeds Supertram Leeds 3 lines Construction to start 2002—planned to open in 2006. Docklands Light Railway to City Airport London 1 line Construction to start early 2002 subject to outcome of Transport and Works Act (TWA) application—aim to open during 2004–05. Bristol and South Gloucestershire Light Rapid Transit Bristol 1 line Provisional construction start 2004 subject to successful economic appraisal and any subsequent TWA application—provisional completion date 2006. Midland Metro Extensions Birmingham 2 lines Construction to start 2003—completion in 2006.