Liverpool to benefit from city region’s transport investment

Liverpool to benefit from city region’s transport investment

Liverpool is poised to receive a portion of an unprecedented £1.6 billion investment aimed at transforming the public transport infrastructure across the city region. This substantial funding will support the development of new railway stations, rapid transit connections, and a comprehensive smart ticketing system that spans the entire network. The initiative represents the largest public transport investment ever seen in the area and seeks to enhance connectivity among communities, including expanding access to new housing developments, while stimulating economic growth, increasing productivity, and promoting urban regeneration.

The Transport for City Region (TCR) deal, secured in June and later confirmed by the Chancellor ahead of the annual Spending Review, marks a pioneering achievement for Liverpool City Region. The Combined Authority is the first to present detailed plans for TCR funding, setting the stage for more efficient, environmentally friendly, and better linked travel options throughout the region. Key network improvements are anticipated to enable 20% more residents to reach Liverpool City Centre within a 30-minute public transport journey, along with a notable rise in the number of residents who will gain direct access to town centres throughout the six boroughs of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.

Additionally, this investment will boost the percentage of residents living within 800 meters of a step-free rail station by 20%, providing more equitable access to public transport across the entire city region. Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “It’s great to see such significant investment coming to Liverpool and the wider city region. Our city is evolving and thriving, and we are determined to deliver a sustainable network that seamlessly combines public transport and active travel options.” He highlighted how the new rapid transit system will improve travel to key locations such as John Lennon Airport, the major football stadiums, and the city centre, contributing to Liverpool’s future growth by enhancing transport choices and connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, described the settlement as “the largest transport investment in our region’s history” and underscored its focus on inclusive growth. He explained that the plan includes “new, step-free rail stations, rapid transit links, and smart ticketing that connects communities directly to jobs, new homes, cultural attractions, and of course major regeneration projects.” A central element of the project is the support of thousands of new homes integrated within well-connected areas close to major employers and growth industries. This latest £1.6 billion commitment builds upon previous record investments across the region, such as the introduction of a £500 million fleet of modern trains, over 100 new electric buses, extension of the Merseyrail network, and the construction of the first new Mersey Ferry in over six decades. These forthcoming proposals, soon to be reviewed by the Combined Authority, aim to continue the extensive modernization and expansion of the public transport system across Liverpool City Region

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