Greater Manchester

'First' conference for unique partnership

Following a February conference, held at Salford University, a 'Safety and Sustainable Transport Partnership' for Salford has been formed to create greater local awareness and understanding of the need for using more sustainable transport methods.

Russell Gard, commercial director for First's north west bus division, Simon Bennett, managing director of bus operations in West Manchester and Denise Lennox, commercial director of First North Western, were speakers at the conference. Commenting on the outcome of the event, First's north west divisional managing director Andy Campbell said: "I am delighted that First is a founder member of the Partnership and we'll be playing a full part to ensure that the valuable work undertaken is accurately focussed and effective."

The other members of the Partnership include Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), Salford City Council, the University of Salford, Salford Royal Hospitals Trust, Salford Primary Care Trust, Greater Manchester Ambulance Service Patient Transport, and Greater Manchester Police.

The assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester and the chairman of GMPTE jointly chaired the Salford conference, attended by over 80 delegates from business, health and education organisations and community groups. Delegates listened as keynote speakers described the significant investments being made by local transport operators and the work being undertaken by groups such as the Crime and Disorder Units and GMPTE, to allay any fears of using public transport.

The core message, clearly delivered, was one of substituting, wherever possible, more sustainable and healthy forms of transport in place of the single occupancy car journey.

The Partnership will represent thousands of staff, students and visitors to the member organisations, and will be arranging a full programme of on-site 'Transport Advice' days.