Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been given an £18 million funding settlement, to help public transport services affected by decreased usage after the pandemic.  

However, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says this is less than half of what is needed. 

The grant comes from the Department for Transport, following London's similar multi-billion pound public transport bail-out.  The cash is being provided on condition that TfGM becomes financially stable as it recovers from the pandemic.  

Treasury officials said that funding would last until the end of March 2024, and would support Greater Manchester's transport network, which faces declining bus and tram usage levels, inflation, and historic debts.

There are also financial risks associated with bus franchising as part of the Bee Network, expected in Stockport from January 2025.  

Andy Burnham said: "Any extra support for our public transport system as it recovers from the pandemic is of course welcome and we appreciate the Secretary of State's efforts in securing this. 

"This said, the total funding offered, which includes the extra £18m, represents less than half of the shortfall we face and is far less generous in percentage terms than the settlement offered to London.

"If the government is to deliver on its commitment of London-style public transport outside of London, it has to put funding behind it and ensure all parts of the country receive fair and equal treatment. 

"We will continue to press ahead with our plans to introduce the Bee Network in September but have asked the Secretary of State for more funding flexibility to deal with the challenges we face."

Transport secretary Mark Harper said: "Since the start of the pandemic, the government has repeatedly stepped up to support Greater Manchester and the Bee Network, providing over £400m to protect and improve services. 

"We're determined to see a thriving local transport network in this great city and, while our support package must be fair to taxpayers, I am confident this additional extraordinary settlement will help operators to recover from the pandemic while Transport for Greater Manchester follows through on its promise to reach financial sustainability."

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