Friday 19 June 2009

At the Annual General Meeting of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) on Friday 19 June, Cllr Ryk Downes was re-elected to the post of Chairman.

Cllr Downes (Lib Dem) had previously been Chairman in 2007-08, and takes over from Cllr Chris Greaves (Con). Conservative and Liberal Democrat members form the majority on the ITA and have shared the role of Chairman since 2004.

"I'm delighted to return to the Chairmanship of Metro at such an important time," said Cllr Downes. "The next 12 months will be as important as any we've ever seen.

"Earlier this month Metro and Leeds City Council began a series of road shows to let people know more about the New Generation Transport scheme to bring trolleybuses back to the streets of Leeds, which will relieve congestion along three keys routes into and out of the city.

"Consultations will continue on new rail stations at Apperley Bridge, Kirkstall Forge and Low Moor, as well as on a new southern entrance for Leeds. Such projects are vital to make it easy for people to reach employment areas in the wider Leeds City Region, contributing to the overall growth of the area.

"The Local Transport Act gives Metro and the ITA new powers, which will enable us to link together the many, disparate parts of 'non-personal' transport and create viable options - with our partners - for travel to work, tourism, freight and leisure.

"High-speed rail, electrification and new rolling stock are important national schemes which will also have a big impact on West Yorkshire, and it is important that Metro plays its part in getting the best deal for the region.

"But if the major bus companies think that a change of Chairman means a change of direction for Metro - think again! I fully intend to follow my predecessor's example in making the big bus companies justify fares rises and service cuts, when we all know that in times of recession we should be making public transport an attractive and affordable alternative to cars.

"On behalf of Metro, I shall be taking our concerns about recent events in West Yorkshire to the Department for Transport and to Lord Adonis. Passengers should have an alternative if bus companies decide to cut back services, but Metro is unable to provide it for them because our hands are tied."