The British government this summer pledged
support for an investment package in Public and private funds to modernize the nation's
transport system over the next 10 years. Tile package is valued at (pounds) 180 billion,
or approximately $271 billion.
The "Transport 2010" plan unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is
designed, in his words, to "tackle the legacy of under investment, fragmentation, and
short-termism which has come from 30 years of neglect" Prescott defined the plan as
"government working with business to deliver the long-term investment needed to
rebuild Our infrastructure, cut congestion, improve public transport, and give people
choice.
According to Prescott, the plan aims for reduced road congestion; modern trains with
better services and reduced fares; a 50 percent increase in passenger use of the railways;
resources to reduce overcrowding on the Underground and congestion in London; (in
pounds)3.2 billion($4.8 billion) investment in the first three years; 360 miles of trunk
road and motorway widening for major improvements in rural transport; better bus services
and a 10 Percent growth in passenger use; and up to 25 new light rail projects in major
cities, safer roads and railways, with better air quality.
The investment Program sets out goals equivalent to about $90 billion each for local
transport including London, railways, and roads. Almost three-quarters of the total,
equivalent to $199 billion, will come from the public purse.
Speaking on behalf of the government at London press conference, Prescott said,
"We are committed to providing the sustained investment over 10 years to deliver
change, and to move away from the stop-go funding of the past. We will secure that
investment through long-term partnership with the private sector: new rail franchises
lasting up to 20 years, 30-year contracts for roads, and a 30-year public/private
partnership for the London Underground."
He concluded, "With sustained government investment and determination, we will get
Britain moving and give people a transport system they can rely on. But let me make it
absolutely clear: If we put in public money, we expect rail and bus companies and local
authorities to deliver the goods: more investment and better services for the traveling
public, on budget and on time."
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