§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new cycle lanes have been provided using public funds in Oldham, West and Royton since 1997. [170960]
§ Dr. HowellsA total of 3.8 miles of new cycle lanes has been provided using public funds in Oldham, West and Royton since 1997.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rural bus services in Oldham, West and Royton are supported by rural bus grants. [170961]
§ Dr. HowellsRural Bus Subsidy Grant (RBSG) is paid to local transport authorities; in the case of Oldham West and Royton this is the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (PTE). It is for the authority to decide which services should be supported with the grant. We understand from the PTE that no bus services in Oldham, West and Royton are provided by RBSG as this area is predominantly urban.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of priority bus lanes have been created in Oldham, West and Royton since 1997. [170962]
§ Dr. HowellsThere have been 1.65 miles of priority bus lanes introduced in Oldham, West and Royton since 1997.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of investment in railway improvements over the next 10 years upon residents of Oldham, West and Royton. [170963]
§ Dr. HowellsResidents of Oldham, West and Royton will benefit from the new TransPennine Express franchise, which commenced in February. The franchise secures investment of around £260 million, which will include the introduction of a new fleet of 100 mph diesel trains leading to increased capacity, improved service quality and performance across the region. A new Northern franchise, which will include local and regional services through Oldham, is out for tender. Work continues on the West Coast Main Line upgrade, which will see reduction in journey times along the route and increases in service frequency.