Transport boss sets his priorities

Rochdale Borough's Transport Spokesman Councillor Zulfiqar Ali has set out his programme to improve public transport in the Borough over the next year. Councillor Ali has identified his priorities when he takes over the position officially in June.

Councillor Ali said: "These are uncertain times on transport issues with the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) bid being up in the air. Whatever the outcome, I will be championing issues like better bus, train and ring and ride services in our Borough. Many of our most vulnerable rely on public transport and we have a chance to make a real difference to people's lives. My priorities include improving our bus services.

I will be working with Paul Rowen MP to ensure that the new Road Transport Bill improves our bus services. We were the first Council in Britain to back a re-regulation of our bus services. Since the buses were privatised, private companies have put profit before people. This has led to a deterioration of services and I want to see an end to that in Heywood, Middleton, Pennines and Rochdale.

"We supported the free off peak bus passes for pensioners but if no services are available - this negates the whole project."

Councillor Ali has also pledged to keep his commitment to free shuttle buses from Rochdale Railway Station to the Town Centre. He said: "We are pleased that work on the Metrolink extension will start imminently. We need though to provide a service in the interim service.

"At my first meeting, I will calling for a report into the cost of my ambitious idea. This will give local people their first glimpse of an integrated transport system. With the new bus station on the way, these are exciting times for public transport users. Only an integrated transport system will entice people out of their cars and onto public transport."

Councillor Ali has also pledged to speak up for Heywood to be connected to Castleton on the national rail grid. He said: "Heywood has been left out on a limb and left to rely on a piecemeal bus service. Councillor Peter Rush has been pushing for this for some time and I promise to listen and put Heywood's case strongly forward."

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "I know that in Zulf we have someone who will be a strong voice on our local transport authority. As the Chairman of the All-Party Group on Light Rail, I look forward to working with someone who is so committed to improved public transport."