§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps his Department is taking to encourage the building of light rail systems; and if he will make a statement; [171956]
(2) what assessment he has made of whether the target for 25 light rail systems set out in the 10-Year Transport Plan will be met. [171957]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Department recognises that light rail can bring significant benefits in some places, but has always been concerned with what works best locally and represents value for money, this may or not be light rail; it is not in the business of promoting one mode over another. The 10-Year Plan for Transport stated that up to 25 new light rail lines might be affordable with the 10-Year Plan provision subject to passing the Department's value for money criteria.