£1.9bn funding package for public transport unveiled

Public transport, anti-congestion measures and bus services are set to benefit from a £1.9 billion funding package announced by Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty today.

Of this year's allocation, up over £200 million on last year, top performing and improving councils will be awarded a total of £68 million additional reward funding. This will be awarded according to their performance in delivering better transport.

The poorest performers will have part of their allocations held back until they can "demonstrate their ability to improve".

As part of this new reward mechanism, of the 85 areas covered, 47 will receive bonuses based on their performance in the last year and 13 will receive a bonus, of at least £330,000 each, based on their marked improvement.

Twenty-one will receive no reward bonus and four local authorities are having part of their allocation held back.

The settlement includes approval of: 11 new major public transport schemes - worth £279.3 million; six new major local road improvements to improve safety and reduce congestion and disruption to local residents – worth £107.8 million; highway maintenance to improve local road conditions – worth £651 million; and £657 million for new local integrated transport schemes.

Local Transport Minister Tony McNulty said: "This settlement is excellent news for passengers, motorists and local authorities across the country.

"This year we have rewarded the highest achieving and the most improved local authorities with extra money. This shows our determination to see the money we give to councils for transport being used efficiently and effectively to bring real improvements to the travelling public in their areas. Poor performance on transport is not acceptable, but we will recognise and reward strong delivery."

(gmcg)