Manchester's on the Move

Delegates at a national seminar heard how Greater Manchester is leading the way in developing the community transport sector.

The seminar showcased the achievements of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and its partner, the Community Transport Association, under the Greater Manchester Communities On the Move (GMCOTM) project.

Over the past four years, the award-winning project has provided support and guidance for local community transport scheme promoters in the areas of networking, training and good management practice. GMCOTM has also provided advice on securing local, national and European funding.

Speakers addressing the seminar include Paul Goggins, Wythenshawe and Sale East MP, Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Authority, and Keith Halstead, Chief Executive of the Community Transport Association (CTA).

Praise

Praising the work of GMCOTM, Paul Goggins MP said: "The Greater Manchester Communities On the Move initiative has established itself as a role model for partnership working in the community transport sector.

"Community transport schemes have a very important job to play in aiding regeneration and providing communities with access to resources such as jobs, education and healthcare. The professionalism of the Greater Manchester Communities On the Move project is to be commended."

Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Authority, said: "I am extremely pleased that the Authority has been able to work in partnership with the CTA and community transport operators to develop GMCOTM.

"The initiative has been a huge success. Through GMCOTM, many local transport operators across Greater Manchester have been able to develop their own business plans, training schedules and establish good working practices.

Professionalism

"The GMCOTM shows how voluntary community transport schemes can grow and attain a recognised standard of professionalism. The past four years have seen tremendous progress, culminating this year in the development of the Greater Manchester Community Transport Operator's Forum - a legally registered body in its own right, able to bid for funding. The Authority has been proud to support the community transport sector in those areas where it has been able to provide a valuable service to local communities."

CTA Chief Executive, Keith Halstead, commented: "The Community Transport Association is delighted that the GMCOTM initiative has been such a success. The partnership between ourselves and the Passenger Transport Authority has been a very effective tool in tackling social exclusion by helping people get to where they need to go.

"It is important that lessons learnt through projects such as GMCOTM are not lost. That's why we are pleased that we are already sharing our experiences by working with Merseytravel - the Passenger Transport Authority for Merseyside."

Community Needs

Throughout Greater Manchester, community transport delivers much needed transport for some of the most deprived areas of the conurbation where traditional public transport does meet the specific needs of the local community.

Community transport provides services to key destinations such as hospitals, schools, employment centres and food shopping. Operating in the evenings and weekends, community transport helps plug gaps in the existing public transport network.

Community transport operators in Greater Manchester are expected to build on the work undertaken by GMCOTM and continue to deliver safe, accessible and affordable transport to those communities who would otherwise face difficulty getting about.

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