§ Mr. McNultyIt is for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) as promoters of Metrolink to undertake any consultation and assessment. The Manchester Airport Line formed part of the original three line package of Metrolink extensions. However, following increased costs, the GMPTE submitted an alternative package replacing the airport line with a spur to East Didsbury.
It was for GMPTE to undertake the assessment of alternatives. GMPTE's assessment of the original package took account of: future journey times between the airport and the city centre; projected passenger numbers; economic benefits to the airport; alternative public transport links if Metrolink Phase III was not approved; and the contribution to an integrated transport strategy for South Manchester.
We have had no representations from Manchester airport. We have received one letter from British Airways based at Manchester Airport.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the contribution of an extension of the role of Metrolink in the economic competitiveness of Greater Manchester(a) in its present form and (b) with the completion of the phase three extension; [188021]
what assessment he has made of the cost-to-benefit ratio of the phase three extension to the Greater Manchester Metrolink; [188022]
what assessment he has made of the benefits to the local economy of the phase three extension to the Manchester Metrolink; [188023]
what assessment he has made of (a) the contribution of the Manchester Metrolink to the process of creating a shift from car usage to public transport and (b) the likely impact of the phase three extension on that process; [188024]
what assessment he has made of whether alternative public transport options have the capacity to meet passenger demand in the absence of the phase three Manchester Metrolink extension taking place; [188026]
what estimate he has made of the projected traffic levels on (a) the M56, (b) the M60, (c) the M62 and (d) all major routes within the area of the proposed 1843W phase three extension of the Manchester Metrolink over the next (i) five, (ii) 10 and (iii) 20 years if the Metrolink extension (A) is and (B) is not put in place]; [188029]
what estimate he has made of (a) the additional road space needed in the Manchester area in the absence of the Metrolink extension and (b) the cost of providing that additional road space; [188030]
what assessment he has made of the implications for air quality along the proposed routes of the Metrolink phase three extension (a) of building and (b) of not building the extension. [188034]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Department for Transport's consideration of Manchester Metrolink and the Phase III extensions was based on an assessment undertaken by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE). This took account of the impact on: the regional and local economy; shift from car use to public transport; cost and capacity of alternative public transport and road options; the effect on the local and regional road network; and changes in air quality. The Department's judgement of the benefit cost ratio for the Phase III extensions (Oldham/Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne and East Didsbury) is 1.6:1.
The Secretary of State took the decision not to approve Metrolink Phase III—along with the proposed schemes in Leeds and South Hampshire—because of a further substantial increase in costs. As the Secretary of State announced on 20 July, no government could accept the schemes as they are on the basis of their escalating costs and he could therefore not approve Phase III of Metrolink in its current form. In Manchester, costs had doubled and the project was reduced to less than the three lines originally proposed. The Department is working closely with GMPTE on developing alternative proposals.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has instructed officials to undertake a fundamental review of public transport options in Greater Manchester. [188025]
§ Mr. McNultyIt is for the Greater Manchester Transport Executive to consider the transport solutions that best meet the needs of the area. We will be working closely with the Manchester authorities as they undertake this work.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds he is making available to keep the Oldham and Rochdale line open for local railway services in the absence of the phase three Metrolink extension; and what funds he is making available for the cost of upgrading the infrastructure. [188027]
§ Mr. McNultyThere are no current plans to upgrade the infrastructure. The existing heavy rail services will continue to be provided and funded under the current First North Western Franchise and its planned replacement.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guarantees he has offered regarding the funding of essential costs of track and systems renewals on the existing Manchester Metrolink. [188028]
1844W
§ Mr. McNultyNone. It is for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, as the promoters of Metrolink, to decide if track and systems renewals are essential and to make its own priorities and bid for funding if appropriate.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he sought from Greater Manchester Police before reaching a decision over the phase three extension to the Manchester Metrolink. [188032]
§ Mr. McNultyThe decision to withdraw funding approval for Metrolink Phase 3 was taken because of escalating costs. Therefore, there was no guidance sought from Greater Manchester Police before reaching this decision.
§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has undertaken with Greater Manchester Health Authority regarding the role of Metrolink in(a) improving access to health care and (b) reducing traffic congestion on hospital sites. [188033]
§ Mr. McNultyIt is for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), as promoters of Metrolink, to undertake any consultation with the Greater Manchester Health Authority throughout the development and assessment of the Metrolink and to present its findings to the Department for Transport. GMPTE's original assessment of the scheme did include information on access to health care, however, no information was provided specifically on reducing traffic congestion on hospital sites.