MULHOLLAND TO BE 'DRIVING FORCE' BEHIND PASSENGER TRANSPORT ISSUES

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Oct 2005

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, has been appointed as the Liberal Democrat MPs' representative for passenger transport issues affecting Metropolitan areas outside London.

The Passenger Transport Executive Group, or PTEG as it is also known, represents the Passenger Transport Executives of Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Strathclyde, Tyne and Wear, West Midlands and West Yorkshire. Transport for London is an associate member. PTEs aim to deliver single, integrated public transport networks accessible to all. Between them they serve approximately 13 million people and have a combined budget of more than £1 billion a year. PTEG raises awareness nationally about key transport challenges which face the city regions and the public transport solutions which PTEs are implementing.

Commenting, Greg said:

"I have been involved in passenger transport issues since before I became an MP, in my role as Leeds District Spokesman for Metro. I am very keen to continue to have a role in delivering better public transport in the region and nationally and this will be an excellent way for me to achieve this."

"I am passionate about public transport in this country and look forward to playing a role in making it better and more responsive to people's needs."

"Issues such as bus deregulation continue to have a huge impact on day to day life, particularly for many of my constituents in Leeds. I look forward to my new role in tackling issues such as this."