03.11.17
Merseytravel calls on Liverpool council bosses to endorse rail strategy
Merseytravel has urged the Liverpool City Region to endorse its new updates to the long-term rail strategy.
The plans, presented to the authority’s transport committee yesterday, have been edited to consider changes in the industry since the strategy was first produced in 2014.
This includes a focus on the Northern Powerhouse Rail project and the development of HS2 – which is expected to change the nature of rail traffic in the north west.
Merseytravel has made efforts to emphasise plans for future work on Liverpool Central, described as improvements to capacity in order to increase the significance of the station to the entire network.
The update has also highlighted the progress that has already been made over the last three years with projects either delivered, or in the process of being delivered, by Liverpool City Region and other parties.
These include the Halton Curve upgrade, a new station at Maghull North, station upgrades at Newton-le-Willows and the commitment to a new Merseyrail rolling stock fleet.
Recent redevelopments at Liverpool Lime Street were also one of Merseytravel’s projects. Services returned to the station last month after work was completed to increase speed and capacity and extend some platforms.
“It’s important that we are realistic about our long-term rail aspirations and our ambitious plans to provide an improved network for the future, meeting passenger needs and boosting economic opportunity,” commented Cllr Liam Robinson, chair of the transport committee, which oversees the work of Merseytravel.
“Whilst we already enjoy good levels of service there is more that we can do to provide increased capacity and frequencies, which would support projected economic growth and maximise the economic benefits of the City Region’s assets and potential.”
The latest update to the strategy continues the authority’s commitment to a 30-year plan for the Merseyrail network.
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