James Cunningham

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JIM CUNNINGHAM QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE CITY

Jim Cunningham MP today questioned the Department of Transport on availability of public transport.

Mr Cunningham says, “As a city MP I am deeply concerned about the problems of congestion on our roads.

“I believe that it is the responsibility of Government to improve our public transport system to encourage residents to ditch their cars and use public transport”.

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said, “The Government has invested in long term public transport improvements in the West Midlands, including Coventry.

“Funding provided to local authorities in the West Midlands region for local highways and public transport capital projects has increased from £35 million in 2000-01 to £79 million in 2007-08.

The Minister further highlighted the £45 million investment since 2001 on major bus schemes in the West Midlands, including the Coventry Bus Network Primeline Schemes. Coventry and the West Midlands have also benefited from £7.6 billion investment in the West Coast mainline upgrade. 

Mr Cunningham said, “I welcome all investment of our city public transport to date.

“As a public transport user I understand the issues faced by city residents and will continue to urge the Government to continue investing in our city”

Earlier this month Mr Cunningham and the other city MPs gained the support of the Government for the creation of Ricoh Railway Station.