On Christmas Eve the public were informed (as in, a press release went out) that they can come and be all democraticky and oversighty about Transport for Greater Manchester’s public spending plans. When is this? About ten days time. This, apparently, counts as fair advance warning for an event. A cynic might almost wonder if TfGM would not be heart-broken if only the hard-core transport activists were abel to attend… Maybe we need to have a consultation about the way Greater Manchester Local Authorities organise their consultations?
Anyhow’s here’s the press release

Greater Manchester residents are invited to a briefing on public transport spending plans.

The Transport for Greater Manchester Committee (TfGMC) is holding its annual Budget Briefing for 2013/14 in the Banqueting Room of Manchester Town Hall on Thursday 3 January, from 10.30am – 1pm.

Following the briefing, leading councillors and directors from TfGM will be available for a question and answer session.

The briefing will be hosted by Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee. He said: “These are exciting times for public transport in Greater Manchester. We are heading into the third financial year of a massive £1.5 billion investment to revolutionise public transport services and facilities.

“Whilst that ring-fenced funding is a major boost for transport, these are difficult financial times and there is more pressure than ever on our discretionary spending. In recent years we have delivered significant efficiency savings, and we will continue to do so.

“That said, it is widely recognised across Greater Manchester that getting transport right will help us get the local economy moving.

“Everyone with an interest in public transport is welcome to attend our budget briefing and I’d encourage people to come along and find out more about what we are doing.”

The £1.5 billion Greater Manchester Transport Fund was established in May 2009 to pay for 15 major transport schemes, including the Metrolink expansion programme, bus priority projects, park and ride and new transport interchanges.

In addition, transport spending in Greater Manchester focuses on supporting national and local concessionary travel schemes, funding the provision of socially necessary bus services, and providing improved passenger services and facilities.

The transport budget will be considered for approval by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority at the end of January.

To reserve a place at the briefing, please email budgetupdate@tfgm.com or telephone 0161 244 1000.