United City is a group of businesses based within Greater Manchester, England, who supported proposals for congestion charging in Greater Manchester via the Greater Manchester Transport Innovation Fund bid for £3 billion. The bid was rejected by a referendum on 12 December 2008. Had the proposal been passed, it would have been the United Kingdom's largest public transport investment in history outside London. United City had over 226 registered companies as of 19 November 2008.

Background and history

Aim, conditions and demands

Two quotes from United City explained their aims. 'A statement from United City said it would “represent all forward-thinking companies and organisations which understand that the economic future of Greater Manchester depends on a sustainable road and public transport system and that a world-class integrated network will hugely improve the city region's competitive advantage in the global marketplace.” ' 'Ken Knott, chief executive of Ask Developments, said: "United City wants to win (Greater Manchester’s) bid for a world-class public transport network for a world-class city region. We agree with the public authorities that doing nothing is not an option.” ' Their demands were :- These were in addition to the following conditions set down by United City :-