Rowen sets out 5 point plan to get Light Rail back on track

Date published: 30/11/2005

Lib Dem Shadow Transport Spokesperson Paul Rowen MP will set out a 5 point plan to revitalise the development of Light Rail in this country. Speaking in an adjournment debate he has managed to secure in Westminster Hall today (Wed 30 November) he will say:

“Five years ago this government set itself ambitious targets of a 100% increase in the number of people traveling by light rail and the task of supporting 25 schemes. Today we are no where near that target and Light Rail is seen as expensive and unachievable with schemes being abandoned in Leeds and Portsmouth. The Government pulled out of the Merseyside scheme yesterday. Only Manchester seems determined to go ahead. By contrast, on the continent schemes are happening all over the place.

If the government is committed then they need to do five things to secure Light Rail’s development and reduce the costs. These are:

• Change the method of procurement separating out the design and build phases from the run and maintain.
• Allow ROSCO’s or similar companies to purchase and lease rolling stock spreading the cost over the life of the tram rather than as currently having it as an upfront cost.
• Getting economies of scale by commissioning two standard designs (a low and high front tram) and ordering enough to be worth while.
• Reducing the cost of the public works from the 92.5% met by the tram operators to nearer the 30% that the French pay.
• Reducing the time taken for the DOT to approve a scheme from the current practice of years to the 4 months recommended by the Select Committee.”

Turning to the proposed scheme in Greater Manchester he added: “Sixteen months ago the Secretary of State pulled the plug on Manchester Metrolink. Eleven months ago after an all mighty demonstration of public support he said the money was back on the table. However we have yet to see any progress. I hope the Minister will be able to give us some news today. The Rochdale-Oldham Line currently has a subsidy of ₤5million per annum and up to ₤60m needs to be spent on updating the line if it is to remain for heavy rail use. Metrolink needs no subsidy, so over the 30 year life of the tram these savings will pay for the project.

Everyone wants to see the inexorable rise in road traffic halted. Light rail is popular with the public and can deliver if the Government has the will to support it. I am delighted that the All Party Group on Light Rail has recently been formed. It has an important role to play.”