The Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC) has appointed Cllr Mark Aldred as its new Chair. The GMTC is a joint committee made up of decision-makers from the ten Greater Manchester councils, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, representing residents and businesses across the region to ensure that operators, TfGM and authorities are held to account for the delivery and performance of transport services.
Cllr Aldred is an elected member of Wigan Council, where he represents the Atherleigh ward, and has previously served at GMTC Chair between August 2019 and June 2022. He is also currently the chair of the GMTC Bus Sub-Committee.
On his appointment Cllr Aldred said: “I am delighted to be taking up the reins once again as chair of the GMTC and would like to thank fellow committee members for their support. The role of the committee is more important than ever in holding operators, TfGM and other bodies to account for delivering important transport services to the people of Greater Manchester as we recover from a global pandemic and support our residents during the cost-of-living crisis.
“Not only that, the city-region is progressing with the delivery of a fully-integrated transport network, the Bee Network, which includes the return of buses to public control and ensuring residents have easy access to bus, rail and Metrolink services. We also continue our plans to deliver the largest cycling and walking network in the UK.
“Now, more than ever, we need a transport system that is affordable and accessible to all and allows people to better connect with opportunities across the region. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Committee Members from all parts of Greater Manchester, as we make sure the needs of Greater Manchester residents are at the heart of how transport services are planned and delivered.”