Manchester transport infrastructure amongst best in UK
Manchester has been ranked as having the third most sustainable transport network in the UK, putting it behind London and Edinburgh but ahead of major regional competitors including Leeds and Birmingham.
However, while Manchester ranks highly in the UK for the quality and effectiveness of its transport systems, its failure to rank inside the top quartile of cities globally shows that there is still some way to go in terms of transport’s role in driving economic productivity, a new report says.
The results are according to the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Mobility Index, which ranks 100 of the world’s leading cities according to the three themes of transport sustainability:
People (reflecting quality of life through factors including accessibility, connectivity and uptake of active options such as walking or cycling);
Planet (capturing green factors, including congestion, pollution and emissions);
Profit (reflecting public finance, affordability and economic opportunity).
Manchester – which sits in 35th place globally – performs fairly consistently across the index. It has some of the highest density of bus and metro stops in Europe, making it one of the leading cities for the accessibility of its transport services. It also ranks second only to London in terms of the highest share of trips undertaken by public transport in Europe.
But the report says there is still room for improvement, particularly when it comes to fighting congestion and delays. Manchester has some of the longest commuting times outside of London; only Rome, Istanbul and Turkey score more poorly in the whole of Europe.
Manchester would also benefit from offering more active transport options, for example by improving cycling infrastructure and increasing the number of pedestrian areas, according to the report.
Jonathan Moore, Arcadis city executive for Manchester, said: “Manchester is rightly focused on transport, but it cannot be complacent. There is undoubtedly a lot we’re getting right, but our position so far behind the capital means poor transport connectivity could risk holding back business and economic growth. A truly sustainable transport system isn’t just about enabling mobility; it also needs to create major economic opportunity and job growth, and improve the lives of those who rely on it every day. We need to make sure Manchester lives up to its potential.
“Manchester’s transport network has come on in leaps and bounds over the last ten years. We now have a sophisticated Metrolink system connecting our two main train stations with the wider region, as well as an extensive bus network, a citywide rail network and the busiest airport outside of London. But while the infrastructure inside the city is working well, we need far better links with the rest of the Northern region.
“Transport for the North, with the support of the Northern Powerhouse, plans to invest in transport and improve connectivity across the North, and this will make a huge difference. The Northern Powerhouse Rail campaign is a case in point. This would be transformational for businesses in the North; increasing capacity, creating jobs and making the nation’s economy more balanced. Ultimately, this is how Manchester is going to stand out on the international stage.”
UK city rankings
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Dublin
- Leeds
The top ten global cities in the Index are:
