Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority

Working to provide the people of Greater Manchester with the best possible public transport network; integrated, accessible and safe, high quality and which provides an attractive alternative to the private car.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is the body established to assess the public transport needs of the county and make policy decisions about public transport provision. It is made up of 33 Councillors appointed by the 10 District Councils in Greater Manchester.

The Authority provides a grant to GMPTE which is the body responsible for implementing the Authority's policies. GMPTA does not directly provide bus, train or tram services.

The Authority and GMPTE are responsible for:

• funding the concessionary fares scheme to make public transport more affordable for people over retirement age, children and disabled people.


• bringing together operators and district councils to improve the quality of public transport and to present it as an integrated network that is easy to understand and use;


• planning and investing in the bus, train and Metrolink networks for the future;


• providing information about public transport through telephone information lines, timetables, general publicity and Travelshops;


• maintaining a network of subsidised bus services on routes not commercially viable and securing schools service contracts; ensuring efficiency and value for money on these services;


• working alongside train and Metrolink operators to improve service levels and to monitor quality;


• supporting the fully accessible Ring and Ride service, setting high standards of physical accessibility to other vehicles, stations and facilities; and providing a travel voucher scheme as an alternative to passes for disabled people;


• building and maintaining local bus stations, shelters and stops.