Manchester on the road to high tech transport

Manchester is aiming to develop a world class transport system complete with high tech road charging technology and travel smartcards.

The city has secured £1.5bn of government funding to significantly improve its public transport, which includes the implementation of a London-style Congestion Charge scheme in 2013.

The road charging technology will use tags and beacon technology - as seen in Sydney and Singapore - to charge people travelling into the city at peak times.

Manchester is also looking at introducing smart travel cards - similar to London's Oyster card system - which will allow people to move between train, tram and bus using a single ticket.

The application for funding has been approved by the Department of Transport's Innovation Fund and the proposals will now be opened for public consultation.

In addition to the government funding, £1.2bn will be made available against future revenue from the peak time congestion charge, with £100m coming from third party organisations.

The planned charge will come in no earlier than 2013 and will not exceed £5 in 2007 values. The average week day charge will be less than £3.

Other transport proposals include a more widespread bus service, new Metrolink stations and improvements to trains serving the city.

Lord Peter Smith, leader of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said in a statement: "This will provide a level of investment not seen before outside of London, and will transform our public transport system into one capable of supporting the growth of the region for years to come."