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Mr Sobel questioned whether the new transport plans for the north were letting down the entire region by not offering opportunities to people in Liverpool city region and Merseyside. He emphasised that the original Transport for the North NPR plans proposed a real levelling up of the north, taking millions of cars off the M62.
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The MP highlighted the critical role of buses in Merseyside, emphasizing that public transport is an equality issue. She criticized the government's lack of action on promises for northern transport improvement and questioned the impact of poor bus services on employment prospects. The need to address historic imbalances in rail network development was also discussed, along with the importance of improving connections between areas of housing growth and encouraging people out of cars due to climate change concerns.
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Mr McGinn highlighted improvements in road and rail infrastructure along the A580, noting plans for new cycling and walking networks. He expressed concern over cross-boundary bus services and called for an end to high prices driven by private companies. Mr McGinn also discussed Liverpool city region's publicly owned hydrogen buses aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Criticising the integrated rail plan published in November as not fit for present needs, he lamented its failure to address local service improvements such as disabled access, reduced services from various stations, and overcrowding issues.
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I congratulate my hon. Friend not only on securing the debate but on the excellent way that he is presenting our case. Mr George Howarth asked the Minister about engaging with local leaders to find a compromise that would enhance service quality and avoid known downsides of current plans.
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The MP highlighted the connectivity issues in Merseyside, emphasizing the need for long-term infrastructure investment to reduce emissions and improve digital economy experience. He criticized the Government's approach to levelling up as insufficient and called for a 'cheap and nasty' deal to be reconsidered for the north. The MP also supported the reintroduction of the Bootle branch line and advocated for bringing railway stations back into public use, connecting them with bus routes to offer cleaner air and better connectivity.
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Mr Madders highlighted the challenges faced by his constituents in Cheshire due to poor transport connectivity with Merseyside. He criticized the two-tier charging system for crossing the River Mersey, the delayed half-hourly train service promised during the pandemic, and the high cost of rail tickets compared to similar journeys elsewhere. Mr Madders also questioned why a proposed station at Ledsham was rejected by the Department despite being seen as having potential growth opportunities. Additionally, he raised concerns about the crisis in school transport due to driver shortages and increased fuel costs.
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Johnson criticized the Government's failure to address regional inequalities in transport infrastructure. She noted that instead of providing significant improvements as promised by the integrated rail plan, Merseyside faces severe disruption and delays with no substantial benefits. Johnson also highlighted Mayor Steve Rotheram's efforts to improve transportation systems through new trains, cycling routes, and bus service enhancements, emphasizing the need for additional powers and funding from the Government.
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My hon. Friend is making a really good speech. I am pleased he has raised the issue of buses being axed without notice.
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In view of what he has just said about the opportunities of the programme proposed by Transport for the North, does he agree that it is deeply disappointing that the actual outcome is a watered-down version of the absolute worst option. Ms Maria Eagle criticised the Government's decision to implement a watered-down version of Northern Powerhouse Rail described as 'cheap and nasty' by Mayor Rotheram.
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Rimmer highlighted the importance of bus services in Liverpool city region, noting that buses provide over 80% of public transport journeys. She discussed Mayor Steve Rotheram's plans to improve bus services, including cheaper fares, more frequent service, and hydrogen buses for reduced emissions. She also pointed out issues with train schedules between St Helens, Manchester, and Liverpool, advocating for a better distribution of trains throughout the hour.
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My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech thus far. Does he agree that after 11 years in government, this plan demonstrates the hollowness of the Government's so-called levelling-up agenda?
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I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important debate.
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Ms Barker criticised the Government's integrated rail plan for Merseyside, stating that it excludes Liverpool from Northern Powerhouse Rail and causes up to six years of disruption with an economic hit of at least £280 million per year. She also noted the loss of 88 freight trains weekly during upgrades and a slower delivery time until the 2040s.
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Mr Tan Dhesi highlighted the poor transport connectivity in Merseyside, noting significant air pollution causing over 1,000 deaths annually and bus fares rising by 40%. He praised Mayor Steve Rotheram's efforts to improve public transport but criticised the Government's disintegrated rail plan as inadequate.