Through the work of that unit I have access to some of the community organisations in the county and that has proved very interesting.

The photograph is historic.

The familiar orange colour of Ring and Ride vehicles with the traditional logo is being changed.

New vehicles have the new logo and silver paint work.

The older vehicles are also being given a face lift.

For my part I continue to be available to all the staff as the visiting chaplain.

I will have to have a new photograph as well, to keep up with the changes.

The final string in my bow is the fact that I have been revisiting theological reflection as I have done courses on Hermeneutics and Ethics in Sheffield.

There is an expectation that I will be producing a generally theological reflection on the provision of public transport in Manchester and through the country.

This is currently a work in progress and I will let you know when I have completed it.

In conclusion - a challenge.

I feel it is incumbent upon me to use Public Transport for as many journeys as I can.

Have you considered this way of living and travelling?

I would encourage all of you to take up this option and do your bit for the life of our planet and the future of our children.


Rev Trevor Dixon


Transport Chaplaincy



I propose to look briefly at some of the things with which I have been involved though the year.

Metrolink has been somewhat of a challenge for the work of The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and Executive during the course of this year.

It was about a year ago when the news came though that the promised grant for the three extensions to the system had been withdrawn.

This was precipitated by the fact that the estimated costs had increased. (Estimated costs usually do. )

In this case more money was needed because of rising costs of finance and the increased price of steel and other things as well.

Through the year the fortunes have varied as Parliament and Ministers have been lobbied and questioned.

As you are aware the campaign has been headed, GOBMOT - Get Our Metrolink Back On Track.

Currently the original figure of £520 million is available for the scheme but the extra £400 million is not.

There is a fund to which application can be made and the PTA/E is being encouraged to make application.

The Government has released £110 million which will be used for the updating of the present system and the provision of the much needed extra trams.

However I wonder if it is generally realised that because of the limited number of manufacturers of this sort of vehicle the new trams are likely to be on at least a twenty four month delivery.

Contrary to expressed opinion Metrolink extension is not dead, it has been delayed.

I continue to work with the Transport Resources Unit at the Greater Manchester Council for Voluntary Organisations as well as serving of the Board for that organisation.

Through the year there has been a change of personnel in that unit and I had the privilege of serving on the interviewing panel.