Greater Manchester aims for carbon-neutral transport network

Greater Manchester has set out ambitions to become the first UK city-region with a carbon-neutral transport network.

Under plans set out by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport Commissioner Chris Boardman, the city-region’s bus fleet will be 100% electric within a decade, reducing emissions by around 1.1 million tonnes CO2 annually, while the Metrolink tram network is already running on renewable energy. The first fleet of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network cycle hire bikes (pictured) – which will be one of the largest hire schemes outside London – will also be launched later this month in parts of Manchester, Salford and Trafford as part of a wider programme of initiatives to support active travel for short journeys.

The city-region has also expanded its publicly-owned electric vehicle charging network, such that when including the private sector, there are now around 700 connectors across Greater Manchester, with plans to accelerate the rollout recently approved by GMCA.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Greater Manchester is already leading the way in transport decarbonisation through our light rail network, the largest in the country, that runs on 100% renewable energy. Today we’re going one step further and setting out a new ambition to be the first UK city-region to deliver a carbon neutral transport network, including full electrification of our buses in the next decade.

“We’ve already started building the UK’s largest cycling and walking network, with £70 million worth of active travel schemes either completed or now under construction. This investment has helped enable thousands of people to change their daily lives; residents who’d previously not have considered walking or riding can now travel without cars for everyday trips in safety.

“The benefits of a carbon neutral transport network are huge – we’ll be boosting our health and improving air quality, and at the same time creating better places to live. We’re ahead of the curve on Metrolink, now we need to apply that carbon neutral aim to everything we do.”

Transport Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: 

“Full electrification of our buses, continued delivery of the UK’s largest active travel network and the introduction of the largest clean air zone outside London will be a massive boost to Greater Manchester’s green credentials.  

“I’m absolutely delighted that our world class active travel network is now taking shape. This year is a game changer for Greater Manchester: the plan is becoming a reality. Our spend per head on active travel in Greater Manchester is currently around £18 per year – that’s almost at the levels enjoyed in Denmark and The Netherlands.

“I’m hugely proud of what we’ve delivered so far to make our city greener and healthier. Today’s commitment for a carbon neutral transport network is proof yet again of our unwavering dedication to a 10-year mission of making the city-region one of the best places in the world to travel on public transport, on foot and by bike.”