Community helps to shape City Region transport network

THE results of a public consultation on the Local Transport Plan, which will shape Liverpool City Region's future transport network have been revealed.

The Local Transport Plan is central to Mayor Steve Rotheram's ambitions to deliver a London-style transport network.

The consultation, which sought input from residents and stakeholders across the Liverpool City Region, garnered an overwhelming response, underscoring the public's keen interest in shaping the future of local transport.

The consultation attracted 1,028 responses from residents, community groups, and transport users, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Local Transport Plan, which is a pivotal plan aimed at transforming transport services across the Region.

The Combined Authority launched the consultation in an effort to ensure the Region's transport infrastructure is accessible, sustainable, and able to meet the diverse needs of its population.

The consultation responses highlighted a wide range of views and insights, providing the Combined Authority with robust data to inform the Local Transport Plan. The responses were well-represented across a variety of age groups, social backgrounds and abilities.

Key Findings and Priorities...

The consultation responses have provided invaluable insights into the transportation needs and priorities of the Liverpool City Region community.

Key themes identified by respondents were:-

Sustainable Travel: A strong desire for more eco-friendly transport options, including increased investment in cycling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging points.
Accessibility: Calls for improvements to public transport services to ensure they are inclusive for individuals with disabilities and other accessibility needs.
Reliability and Efficiency: A high demand for more reliable and timely public transport services, especially for areas currently underserved by buses and trains.
Affordability: Concerns around the rising cost of transport, with many respondents advocating for cheaper fares and better value for money in the Region's transport offerings.
Safety: covering both personal safety and on public transport.

Suggestions made during the consultation included:-

A request for safer travel options, especially for pedestrians and cyclists; including accessible pathways; in light of ongoing concerns about road safety.
Further strengthen language around safety in policies and procedures.
Make firmer stances around the importance of staff presence, inclusive signage, and safe spaces.
Ensure the LTP aligns with other Combined Auhtority policies and strategies and informs operational services.

The Combined Authority is committed to addressing these issues as part of the final version of the Local Transport Plan, which will be developed in collaboration with transport experts and local authorities.

The Combined Authority will now move forward with finalizing the plan, incorporating the views and concerns of the community to create a transportation system that benefits everyone in the Liverpool City Region.

A further update on the implementation of the plan and next stages will be announced later this year.

Councillor Steve Foulkes, Chair of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:- "We are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute to the consultation. The feedback we received was invaluable in understanding the priorities and challenges faced by our residents," said "This consultation marks a crucial step towards creating a greener, more inclusive, and reliable transport system that will serve the needs of our diverse communities for years to come."

For more information on the Local Transport Plan and to view the full consultation report, please go to:- LiverpoolCityRegion-CA.Gov.UK.

You can download the following .PDF files:-

Local-Transport-Plan-Consultation-FAQs = Download now.
FINAL Consultation Accessible = Download now.
Public Consultation Draft October 2024 V4 = Download now.

Mayor launches Care Leavers MetroCard as delighted recipients tell of benefits of free travel

MAYOR Steve Rotheram has launched a new initiative giving care leavers free access to public transport across the Liverpool City Region.

The Care Leavers MetroCard is available to around 1,500 care leavers aged between:- 18 and 21 years old, from across the City Region's 5 boroughs and City and is designed to ensure that people leaving the care system have access to opportunities and are not left behind.

With unrestricted travel on the City Region's buses, train and ferries, the MetroCard will help care leavers to continue their education, employment, and social activities without the barrier of transport costs.

It's also designed to increase independence and reduce isolation.

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:- "Young people leaving care often face difficulties settling into their adult lives. We know that access to free travel can have a hugely positive impact on their ability to connect with opportunity, and experience some of those things we take for granted; like shopping or getting to appointments. We already have the most generous concessionary scheme in the country, and the Care Leavers MetroCard is a vital part of our commitment to ensuring that young people who have left the care system are not left behind. This pass will give them the freedom they need to explore opportunities, access education, and socialise; all key aspects of building a successful and fulfilling life. I'm incredibly proud that we're able to offer this support to young people as they move forward with the next chapter of their lives."

Mayor Rotheram launched the Care Leavers MetroCard at Liverpool's Central Station where he was met by care leavers who had received their free pass in recent days.

They spoke of the difference it would make to their lives.

Tyler Preistley said:- "I now have the freedom I need to be able to socialise and travel; it's such an important part of my life. Being able to go anywhere without worrying about transport costs has opened up so many new opportunities for me. It makes a real difference to my daily life and has taken away so much of the financial stress associated with using public transport. I feel privileged to be 1 of the 1st people to experience this new initiative."

Bekie Mariel said:- "I love the travel pass. It's amazing to have the freedom to get around whenever I need to, whether it's for college or just spending time with my friends. Before, I would be saving each week to have enough to go and visit friends on the other side of the City, now I can get there for free whenever I want; I have so much freedom. I can even go on the Mersey Ferry. I'm excited, as I've never been on a ferry before."

The Care Leavers MetroCard is a vital tool to support young care leavers as they transition to adulthood. By offering free access to public transport during day and night, the initiative ensures care leavers can stay connected, pursue educational and career opportunities, and become more integrated into their local communities.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Marion Atkinson, agreed:- "We want to be able to support our young people, and it speaks volumes of the Combined Authority and the 6 districts, that we can work together and support young people, helping them find easier access to jobs and education through accessible transport. But it's not just about that, we also want them to go out and have fun without worrying about how they'll get around. And we can offer them that."

Access to the Care Leavers Travel Pass is arranged automatically through their Local Authority as the young persona reaches their 18th birthday.

News reports located on this page = 2.

Community helps to shape City Region transport network

Mayor launches Care Leavers MetroCard as delighted recipients tell of benefits of free travel