A PUBLIC consultation on 'bold' plans to reshape Liverpool City Region’s transport network is underway.

The new Local Transport Plan aims to create, what Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram calls, 'a London-style integrated transport system that’s fast, clean safe, sustainable and accessible to all'.

The consultation begins as the Combined Authority prepares to take back control of the city region’s bus network and just days after £26m funding for a further 50 all-electric buses was announced, bringing the total to more than 100.

The new Local Transport Plan covers all six local authority areas and supports the Mayor’s ambition for the Liverpool City Region to be net-zero carbon by 2035.

A spokesman for the authority said the plan 'proposes big, bold changes designed to help drive future investments on the network until 2040'.

Key features include:

  • Boosting public transport through bus franchising and an 'enhanced rail network' to help people get to school, work, training and to travel for leisure and pleasure.
  • Improving health and wellbeing of residents by reducing road traffic accidents and pollution and encouraging more people to walk, cycle or wheel.
  • Ensuring the transport system is climate change resilient and using technology and innovation to drive improvements.

Wirral councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: "The Local Transport Plan is used to steer future investments into our network with clear aims to support communities and improving transport for everyone while aligning to wider Combined Authority ambitions, for example, achieving net zero emissions by 2035.

"Whether a regular public transport user or not, all residents within the City Region are encouraged to take part in the consultation and have their say."

Cllr Foulkes continued: "Its purpose is to build a fully integrated London-style transport system, along with better connections to and from the region that helps people get to school, work, training and travel for leisure and pleasure.

"Improving the health and quality of life for people and communities as well as ensuring the network and assets are well maintained are key to its success."

To take part in the consultation, go to: https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/local-transport-plan

For a paper survey or a survey in another language call 0151 332 4339

The consultation ends on December 15.