A think tank has recommended that metro mayors encourage a shift from cars to public transport by making car use less attractive for journeys to the city centre.

From next year, these leaders will have extra control over local bus services, urban road networks and the alignment of timetables and fares across buses, trams and metro systems.

A new report by Centre for Cities found that giving metro mayors in England’s six largest city-regions the powers to integrate transport networks could provide 1.2 million more people with a 30-minute connection to their city centre.

The research shows that by making public transport more accessible and reducing the appeal of driving into central zones, the move could boost national economic output by an estimated £17.4bn per year.

The report recommends that metro mayors prioritise accessibility improvements, collaborate with Government on funding and housing around transit hubs, and discourage car journeys into city centres to shift travel patterns.

Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said: ‘Flagship Government legislation will soon give metro mayors powers over their local transport networks, giving them the opportunity to deliver what is taken for granted in many cities across Europe and London – an integrated transport system that allows people to move around their cities easily and effectively.

‘Government should continue to deepen the powers that metro mayors have. Many European metro mayors have power to raise local taxes to support transport services, and the Government should explore how this could work in practice in England.’

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: ‘This analysis from Centre for Cities shows that, with more powers, we can go further and keep delivering cleaner, more accessible, joined-up services that serve our residents and businesses, and spread the benefits of economic growth.’