The establishment of a state-of-the-art high-speed rail station in Liverpool, solidifying the city’s ties with Manchester, has taken a significant step forward. As the upcoming elections for Liverpool’s Metro Mayor draw near, Steve Rotheram has joined forces with Andy Burnham to establish a novel public-private Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board. This board aims to further heighten rail capacity between the two urban conglomerations.
The Labour candidates have been informed by the government that they are now able to contemplate various possibilities to reinforce the Liverpool-Manchester corridor, following the termination of HS2 last year, as reported by the ECHO.
Rotheram and Burnham aspire to witness the project’s progress synchronize with the 200th anniversary of the globe’s maiden passenger railway in Rainhill in 2029, should they be reelected in their respective elections next month.
Mr Rotheram and Mr Burnham were handpicked to provide counsel on the optimal solution for improved connectivity between the two cities as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme, following the government’s announcement to scrap the elaborate high-speed rail project.
Rotheram voiced his opposition to upgrades to existing freight lines, emphasizing the necessity of new twin track lines across the Liverpool City Region. Huw Merriman MP affirmed in a letter to Mr Rotheram and Coun Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, that unpalatable alternatives would no longer be considered, opening the door to advanced infrastructure for increased capacity.
Mr Merriman penned: “I am resolute in my dedication to collaborating with yourselves and other local leaders to identify the most effective solutions for this corridor. I can confirm that we are open to exploring alternatives to utilizing the West Coast Main Line (WCML) into Liverpool and various station options as part of the forthcoming phase of work once the high-level strategy for this corridor is finalized.”
Consequently, Mr Rotheram and Mr Burnham have expressed their intention to convene partners after the elections to commence work, contingent upon their reelection for Labour on May 2.
Mr Rotheram asserted: “For an extended period, commuters across the North have been obliged to endure an inferior rail service. Instead of acquiescing to cheap and unsatisfactory solutions, I have staunchly defended our region’s interests, compelling the government to reconsider their strategy.
“Our regions were trailblazers in the railway industry, and we have already demonstrated in the Liverpool City Region how publicly operated transportation yields superior service for passengers and taxpayers alike. We shall continue this illustrious legacy by collaborating to establish a novel publicly operated Liverpool-Manchester link, embodying Labour principles at the core of our railways.”
Mr Burnham echoed: “The genesis of the world’s first railway line transpired here 200 years ago, and we possess the capacity to advance one 200 years later, one that can match lofty aspirations, for the government has finally heeded our pleas and opened the prospect of a direct line between the two cities.”
Mr Rotheram, seeking a third term as Metro Mayor, emphasized that previous government plans would have potentially necessitated the cessation of services at Lime Street in order to accommodate more trains, despite its current capacity constraints. He further elaborated that a new station – the location of which is yet to be determined – would enable enhanced connectivity across the city’s key transport hubs.
Mr Burnham remarked: “Steve has waged a tenacious battle to eliminate that substandard, shoddy proposal. Should we both secure reelection, we shall swiftly assemble the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board to expedite the realization of this project.”
“We aspire to witness substantial progress on the ground in time for the 200th anniversary in five years’ time. We have engaged significant stakeholders along the route who are collectively invested in the lofty ambitions for this infrastructure.”
“This represents the most opportune moment for the North West of England in this century to establish infrastructure that rivals London and the South East.”
