Council leader becomes chairman of Greater Manchester transport committee

Trafford council leader has become the chairman of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee and will head up the region’s big transport projects.

Coun Andrew Western won a vote to take up the position this week and will head up the committee’s preparation for the biggest change to transport in the city region for more than 30 years.

The Bee Network, an integrated, London-style transport network, will be the major focus of the city-region’s transport development over the coming years, and Coun Western will be at the helm of discussions about it.

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The GMTC is a joint committee with representatives from the ten borough councils, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

It holds transport networks in the region, including Transport for Greater Manchester, to account.

Coun Western is also the Local Government Association’s cross-party chairman on finance, resources, and cost of living. He has previously worked in civil engineering consultancy, including large transport projects.

Coun Andrew Western said: “The committee has performed a fantastic role in holding operators, TfGM and other bodies to account for delivering important transport services provided to the people of Greater Manchester.

“On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank Coun Mark Aldred for his leadership over the last four years during an incredibly challenging time for public transport. I am glad, therefore, to have retained his knowledge and experience through his appointment as vice-chair.

“Greater Manchester rightly has bold ambitions for transport and the next three years are a critical time as we implement the Bee Network. This includes the return of buses to public control and ensuring