Posted 22nd September 2008 | 4 Comments
New hope for Liverpool trams
“This is a work in progress, but this scheme is absolutely vital for Merseyside and the wider region.”
THERE is new hope that the proposed tram system for Liverpool may go ahead after all.
According to The Liverpool Echo newspaper there are “delicate negotiations” going on involving Merseytravel—the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive—the Department of Transport and the Treasury about whether Line One, between Liverpool city centre and Kirkby, can be built.
Two years ago, the then Transport Secretary now Chancellor, Alistair Darling, halted the Liverpool tram project over concerns about its cost and funding. But now, according to the Echo, Transport secretary Ruth Kelly has strongly signalled she is in favour, provided the economic benefits to Merseyside are proved and government funding is kept to its original £180m ceiling.
Merseytravel chief executive Neil Scales addressed a fringe meeting at the Liberal Democrat conference. He said there is “slow and steady progress towards a deal, but there is still a long way to go.”
Mr Scales added: “We are now at a point where we can say the benefits are two-to-one – in other words, every £1 spent will generate £2 towards the regional economy.
“This is a work in progress, but this scheme is absolutely vital for Merseyside and the wider region.”
Mr Scales pointed out how under UK regulations, tram fares are linked to bus fares, said ‘The Liverpool Echo.’
“Nationally, bus fares have risen by more than 10% and tram fares will have to match that. The increased revenue will make Merseytram even more viable.”
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
Amanda Young, Andover Hants, UK
I have family in Wigan and as a visitor from the south am looking forward to enjoying the cultural delights of the north of England. Research about what Manchester has to offer me pleasantly revealed the prospect of travelling by tram. I am therefore surprised and disappointed that Liverpool ' city of culture' will not be offering me a tram ride.
What fool decided to get rid of them ?
This will give my Dutch friends yet new ammunition with which to laugh at us as a nation.
What a shame - in EVERY sense of the word !
Francis Ellis, Stoke, England
Considering that Liverpool had one of the largest and most modern tram system in the country with much of the tramway laid on reserved tracks until the late 1950s it is ridiculous that the city is so far behind others in reintroducing trams along what was once one of the cities busiest tram routes.
Come on Liverpool and MerseyTravel get laying tracks, fast!!
Bond, Llanelwy, Wales
If ever a major city needed a tram system it is Liverpool. As a transport student who has examined cities all over Europe it amazes me how far behind the times the UK is. Unfortunately my research also shows that there is a vociferous body of opinion which is against trams at any price and generally I find these people have had little or no experience of the benefits a modern system can bring..
Magellan, London
Ruth Kelly has not said anything new on this scheme, and she has since left teh department. Is this not just Neil Scales attempting a damage limitation exercise?