First Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(21/02/2015 10:48)Dentonian Wrote:  I seem to remember it was fairly clear which projects the money would be spent on, with the various phases of Metrolink, and boosting capacity on local rail as well as developing Interchange facilities between modes, such as Stockport. I think the "get out" clause for those arguing a lot of what was promised in terms of Metrolink in particular now happening anyway, was that GMPTA (as they were then) said, it would all get done, but without the C-Charge it would take a lot longer.
Details of bus services were inevitable going to be less clear, as:

a. They were not seen as relevant to the vote because they would not be paid for out of C-charge.
b. Because they ultimately remained commercial decisions, the usual 56 days notice would apply for the general public and (more relevantly) competing Operators. So final decisions would only have been made after the vote and right up to implementation.

Can't help re-Bus Lanes, but I'm sure you are right in terms of bus services at least. I can't see it benefitting other modes either, as I'm not aware of any bus lane revenue coming through TFGM/C. Maybe it goes direct to Network Rail?

The proposals were just that.... Proposals. The only dead cert was already heavily taxed motorists being charged for driving towards Manchester in the morning and vice versa in the afternoons, but as you say some of what was planned has happened anyway in regards to the Metrolink. Debatable whether that's been a success or a white elephant.

I've always avoided the bus lanes arguments in the past but my comment refered to a story regarding Tameside council handing out hundreds of bus lane fines to motorists who inadvertently used bus lanes on Oldham road in Ashton (see the link to First and the 409 ), on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day when buses arnt even running. I found it quite ironical given the ongoing cuts to subsidised bus services.

Anyway bringing things back into topic it seems First are already receiving a backlash from passengers if comments on Twitter are anything to go by.