PEOPLE have had their say on a proposed name change for Merseytravel and it’s safe to say the reaction has been mixed. It was confirmed last week that as part of its corporate plan, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will look to rename the transport authority that serves our six local authorities.

By 2028, as it rolls out its METRO system across the area, the historic name will be replaced by Transport for Liverpool City Region (TFLCR). This is part of wide ranging plans from the combined authority (CA) to connect rail, bus, ferry, tunnels and active travel options across the six local authority areas.

While the famous yellow M logo will stay, the transport authority is to undergo a major shift. Commuters have now had their say on the plans online and the reaction has been passionate.

Matthew Waring said: “Embarrassing. Doing a lot apart actually fixing the issues they have. Trains not fit for purpose. Lifts/escalators out of service for months. Should change it to merseyfail.”

Dean Fox added: “It’s a bit of a long winded name. If they must spend ridiculous money to change the name and branding it should be changed to Transport for Merseyside.” Not everyone was against the plan, including James Plant. He said: “About time, to be honest – it’s always a bit weird that these things are named after something that hasn’t officially existed for my entire lifetime and then some.”

Anthony Proctor-Williams had a different suggestion. He said: “Surely Travel For Merseyside would have been a better name – and Halton could have been grouped with Ormskirk and Chester in destination stops that are on the line, but not part of the county. (Even though it is part of the LCR).”

Mike Duckers said: “This is so stupid. Merseytravel is a great, recognisable name. Why change it? You don’t have to change the plans you have, just keep it called Merseytravel.”

The change to branding was part of Mr Rotheram’s election manifesto in the spring when he romped home to a historic third term at the top of Mann Island. As the CA unveiled its corporate plan for the next four years, further details emerged about the major name change for the company that dates back to the 1960s.

It said: “The Combined Authority will deliver its fully integrated METRO transport network through Transport for Liverpool City Region (TFLCR), which will replace Merseytravel and implement a whole system approach. It will promote mobility across the region for our communities and businesses, by creating increased linkage between rail, bus, ferry, tunnels, and active travel.”

The LDRS understands the change will bring the Liverpool City Region in line with areas such as Manchester and London with their own distinct regional transport branding. A new crest and flag is being designed for the city region to be introduced by the end of this year, but it is not yet known when the name change could come into effect.

A Liverpool City Region Combined Authority spokesperson said: “The planned name change from Merseytravel to Transport for Liverpool City Region better reflects the area served by our public transport network, which extends beyond the boundaries of Merseyside and includes the Borough of Halton. The familiar yellow ‘M’ will remain a symbol of public transport within the city region as we strive to deliver a modern, environmentally-friendly, joined-up system that is quick, simple, affordable and accessible to all and provides a genuine alternative to the car.”