The mayors of Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, have committed to improving rail services between their respective cities through the formation of a Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board. This decision came after the Government scrapped the HS2 high-speed rail project, leading to the exploration of alternative options for enhanced connectivity in the region.
Upon their potential re-election, the mayors aim to establish the board and commence work on the project. They aspire to witness tangible progress by the 200th anniversary of the world’s inaugural passenger railway in Rainhill, which falls in 2029.
The mayors have emphasized the need for new twin-track lines across the Liverpool City Region rather than resorting to upgrades on existing freight lines. Transport Minister Huw Merriman has confirmed that unpalatable options will no longer be considered, paving the way for improved infrastructure that would increase capacity.
The possibility of constructing a new high-speed railway station in Liverpool has taken a step forward as a result of these developments. Burnham and Rotherham have expressed a desire to convene partners following the elections to initiate the project.
Rotherham stressed the inadequacy of rail services in the North and his determination to advocate for improved solutions. He highlighted the success of publicly-run transport in Liverpool and emphasized the importance of establishing a new public Liverpool-Manchester link. Burnham echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the region’s railway heritage and the opportunity to advance it.
Rotherham further elaborated on the limitations of previous Government plans and the potential for a new station to enhance connectivity across Liverpool. Burnham echoed this, highlighting the opportunity to create a two-stop connection between Liverpool, Manchester, and Manchester Airport, positioning the North West as a region with infrastructure on par with London and the South East.
The Liverpool-Manchester Railway Board, according to Burnham, could facilitate the creation of a two-stop connection between Liverpool and Manchester to Manchester Airport, positioning the North West as a region with infrastructure on par with London and the South East. According to Rotherham, collaboration between the two city regions would strengthen their overall impact and open up possibilities for expanded Merseyrail services.
