So says the Manchester Evening News! But if the 'No' vote is such a "crushing blow to the plan to invest £billions in the region's public transport infrastructure", then our campaign - to bring public transport back into public ownership and run it as a genuine public service, free at the point of use - IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT EVER WAS!

Also, and above all, we have to ensure that the 'No' vote isn't seen simply as a victory for the car lobby, and especially so when one considers almost a third of Greater Manchester households don't even own a car!

(In the latter connection, listen to a spokesperson for the CfFPT, discussing, alongside a representative of the car lobby, the future of public transport in Greater Manchester on BBC Radio Manchester's Breakfast Show on 15th December 2008).

At our December meeting we discussed the ramifications of the overwhelming NO vote and where our campaign should go from here. See our Campaign Strategy for 2009 page for details of what was agreed.

For full details of how each local authority voted - click Official TIF Referendum Results.

Over 40 supporters of the Campaign for Free Public Transport braved the freezing cold weather to take part in the campaign's first public rally in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester on Tuesday 2nd December. Speaker after speaker, predominantly opposed to the proposed Congestion Charge, slammed the TIF Proposals which were to be voted on in the county-wide referendum, then currently still taking place.



Speaking first at the Rally, CfFPT Chair & Bury NUT member Roy Wilkes said:

  

"Privatisation has been an unmitigated disaster.  Throwing billions of pounds at a public transport system that is privately owned and run for profit will achieve little more than to line the pockets of shareholders who have already grown rich off the backs of the travelling public.

"The councillors tell us that there is no alternative to the TIF, that this is the only way we can improve our public transport system.  BUT THAT IS A LIE!

"There is an alternative - a public transport system that is massively expanded, publicly owned and free at the point of use.  That is what we are campaigning for - public transport that is run as a public service rather than as a source of private profit."

 Bill Harrop, who described himself as a "concerned citizen" said:



"When you consider the benefits public transport provides it is abhorrent that those that profit the most do not contribute.

"Public transport should be paid for out of taxes. A mixture of limited general taxation on the citizens and a larger percentage from the business and commercial sector who actually benefit the most from it.

"I fully agree with what the CfFPT is calling for. That is: An expanded public transport system that is fully integrated, publicly owned and free at the point of use."

To find out what other speakers said please go to our CfFPT December Rally page.