THE Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has won the Regional Transport Authority of the Year title at the National Transport Awards.

This accolade is awarded to transport bodies covering several local authority areas, recognising those that have demonstrated improvement and progress in sustainable transport policy and the provision of reliable and accessible transport for all passengers.

The judges praised the authority for the 'huge strides' it has made in providing high-quality, affordable bus and rail services, along with active travel initiatives.

The authority was commended for its determination to ensure no community is left behind.

Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "This is great news and recognition of the work we are delivering on behalf of the people of our city region.

"This award is testament to the dedication and ambition of everyone who is working to make our transport network one of the best in the country."

The authority's success was attributed to its numerous improvements to the region's public transport network.

Recent achievements include the opening of the £80m Headbolt Lane railway station, served by new publicly-owned, battery-powered trains and an £11m upgrade of the Queensway Tunnel lighting.

The authority has also transformed the bus network, including franchising and expanding the zero-emission bus fleet.

A deal has been signed to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years, and the first phase of the region’s planned 500km Active Travel network has been completed.

Katherine Fairclough, chief executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: "Congratulations to colleagues across the organisation, the hard work by everyone involved in the incredible projects we’ve delivered together has been recognised at a national level, as well as the ongoing, daily dedication from our teams who keep the transport network running day in day out."

The Combined Authority was also shortlisted in two other categories, Design, Engineering & Construction Project of the Year for Headbolt Lane Station and Digital and Technology Excellence in Transport for IPEMU Battery Trains.

Anthony Smith, chair of the National Transport Awards judging panel, said: "It was clear to the judges that Liverpool City Region are setting a new standard for public transport in this country and have made huge strides in rolling out accessible, affordable, high-quality bus and rail services alongside active travel to ensure no community is left behind."