‘Real Promise’: Mayor Paul Bristow statement on Mass Transit taskforce

‘Real Promise’: Mayor Paul Bristow statement on Mass Transit taskforce

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow has made the following statement after Government announced a new taskforce to improve how big transport systems can be delivered in the UK. 

Paul Bristow said: “I welcome the recognition that to deliver the growth the country needs, Mayors need the tools and powers to get on with it. Building infrastructure in this country is slower and more expensive than it should be and I’m glad Government is looking at ways to cut barriers and red tape. 

“Cambridge needs a new mass transit system to help one of the UK’s most economically important places reach its massive potential.  

“I put light rail back on the agenda when I was elected. We now have a mass rapid transit study underway in partnership with the Cambridge Growth Company, and this week’s announcement, including the new Mass Transit Taskforce and the consultation on devolving more transport powers to Mayors, offers real promise for that work. 

“Speeding up transport upgrades means we can help grow the economy, create jobs, unlock housing and bring prosperity and opportunity to our communities more quickly.  

“Our Local Growth Plan contains my target to triple the size of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s economy. We cannot match that ambition without the transport infrastructure to match, and today’s announcement is a step to bringing that closer. 

“I look forward to working with the Mass Transit Taskforce and engaging in the consultation to ensure our region’s needs are heard.”