₤172m for Green Transport to Boost Liverpool City Region Economy

THE Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has published details of how it proposes to invest ₤172 million in public and sustainable transport to drive inclusive growth across the City Region. A report to be considered at the Combined Authority's next meeting in September, sets out a priority list of 18 green transport projects, including:- new Stations, new Mersey Ferries and major improvements to public transport. All of the identified projects must still go through a full appraisal process.

Speaking about the schemes, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "This ambitious ₤172.5 million programme will help to drive economic growth that benefits everyone in our City Region by dramatically improving sustainable transport across our City Region. By making it easier for people to get around, and access jobs and opportunities, using public transport or by walking and cycling, we will boost prosperity, help our environment, and improve health and wellbeing."

Councillor Liam Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Air Quality, said:- "These proposals mark one of the Combined Authority's most significant investments yet in making our transport system more sustainable. By increasing our public transport network and making it more attractive, as well as making it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike, we are giving a green boost to our City Region's economy, that will benefit everyone who lives and works here."

Projects to be supported through the Transporting Cities Fund must fall into 3 main themes:-

1. Improving and expanding the public transport network to meet new areas of demand.
2. Improving the appeal of public transport.
3. Improving health and wellbeing.

The projects identified for potential funding, subject to developing a robust business case and being approved through the usual appraisal process, are:-

Annual Running Day for Merseyside Heritage Transport Charity

THE Merseyside Transport Trust (MTT) will be holding its'  running day event, on Sunday, 8 September 2019, to raise funds for the upkeep of its'  fleet of over 50 vintage vehicles. This is a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy a ride on some of buses in our collection, some of which featured at Liverpool's 'Light Night'  event, back in May  2019. The event is also aimed to attract new members, volunteers, sponsorship and generate interest within the community.

"2019 marks the 50th year since the formation of Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (MPTE) firstly in Liverpool and the Wirral then, in 1974, St Helens and Southport. The PTE was responsible for bringing greater integration to Merseyside Transport ne2rk including Trains and Ferries as well as Buses. This year our September running day will have a special Merseyside PTE theme, we will be running routes within the original 3 divisions of North/South Liverpool and into the Wirral. A variety of MPTE buses from the Trusts collection, some familiar and perhaps a surprise or 2. Regular departures from Pier Head Mann Island. Routes with visiting Ribble and Crosville buses. Visiting vehicles from our friends at Wirral Transport Museum, Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust and the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust, plus many more. A new book produced by the MTT, marking 50 years of MPTE buses will be launched from our sales stand at Mann Island. Souvenir programmes, including timetables and route map, will also be available from our sales stand. A souvenir programme and guide to the day will be available for just ₤5 and any donations you would like to make to the group would be most welcome." said a spokesperson for the Trust.

Lee Wolfe, Events Officer for The MTT is leading the event and has been involved with the group for over a decade. Lee said:- "This event is now in its'  14th year and has gone from strength to strength using a similar format. We have been consistently attracting large numbers which is encouraging for a small charity and always looking at ways to make this event a huge success. All funds raised at the event will go a long way in helping to keep our collection safe for the future. We rely totally on donations and the good nature of people."

Buses run generally every 15 minutes starting around 10:00am, from Mann Island and will observe all normal bus stops along the routes. The event runs from approx.10:00 until approx.4.30pm. For more information see the Trrust's website or contact them via email.

Liverpool Central lift closed for 7 weeks

MERSEYRAIL are carrying out essential refurbishment work at Liverpool Central Station, resulting in no lift access and are advising passengers to use 1 of the alternative Underground Stations, if they require the use of a lift.  The lift have been closed since Monday, 9 September 2019 and is due to reopening, on Monday, 28 October 2019. This period includes October ½ Term so those intending to travel with young children over the School holidays are advised to plan their journeys in advance. Passengers needing access to a lift must use Moorfields Station, if travelling on the:- Northern line, and James Street, Moorfields or Lime Street Low Level Stations, if travelling on the Wirral line. Additional staff will be on hand at these Stations to support passengers. Customers who may need assistance are advised to contact Merseyrail's Customer Relations team before travelling on:- 0151 555 1111, from Monday to Friday, between 07:00 to 19:00hrs. Merseyrail is advising passengers to leave extra time for their journeys as lifts at other Stations may be busy. Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said:- "This 7 week closure of the lift at Liverpool Central is essential due to the scale and complexity of these works, and we have chosen this time after the busy summer holidays and before Christmas to minimise disruption to passengers. Every effort is being made to complete this work as quickly as possible and we have made sure there are plenty of staff available to support customers at all underground Stations throughout this refurbishment. We encourage anyone with concerns about travelling during this time to contact our Customer Relations Team."