Liverpool among the worst in the north when it comes to public transport funding
It's as a rising numbers of cars in the city have caused major traffic jams and pollution issues
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
A Liverpool researcher has said the city is among the worst in the north of the country when it comes to public transport and safe cycle routes.
Abi O'Conner is an urban regeneration and social inequality researcher at The University of Liverpool. She believes that Liverpool’s “chronically underfunded” public transport system and “lack of safe cycle routes” is accountable for the city's high car usage.
Abi told us: “If we look to our trains, recent statistics tell us 78.5% of Merseyrails trains run on time. Now this is below the national average.
“With this in mind, as well the high prices on Merseyrail, how can we expect people to rely on these services if they are so unreliable and unaffordable, we are in a cost of living crisis.”
Over the festive period drivers reported being ‘marooned’ in traffic, as major traffic jams formed.
In a written report to members of Liverpool Council’s climate change and environment select committee ahead of the meeting next week, Cllr Dan Barrington, cabinet member, offered an explanation as to what left motorists so irritated.
He said: 'Over the Christmas period we saw increased levels of traffic in and around the city centre.
'It is worth noting that the problems over the Christmas period are due to multiple factors including number of people driving into the city following a relatively quiet two/three years, due to the Covid pandemic; Rail strikes; High level of activities in the city centre e.g. Christmas Market, shopping, events etc. in the city centre; Access to full private car park in the city centre.'
Abi thinks the comments sound like they are an individuals problem but that it's actually a wider issue.
Abi said: “I think here the systemic issue is we do not have good, reliable and affordable public transport in Liverpool.”
The Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram last week announced “the biggest investment” in public transport as part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authorities budget for 2023-24.
It’s part of the Mayor’s hope to build a London-style integrated transport network that is faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable, giving residents a more realistic alternative to the car.
The investment hopes to include new, publicly owned trains, hydrogen buses, and around £50m invested in new walking and cycling infrastructure.
Abi told us, if the promises are met it would be great for the city.
She said: “That would be hugely positive and that would be instrumental for so many positive changes in the region, healthier lifestyles, people being more relaxed on public transport, people being able to afford public transport.
“of course, I do think we have to be sceptical, there is always a lot that is promised and if it comes into fruition is a different story.”