The Liverpool City Region Transport Committee met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to discuss a range of transport-related matters. Key discussions included the appointment of committee leadership, public transport provision, Network Rail's operational performance, national and local transport policy, and new accessible bus stop design guidance. Councillor Steve Foulkes was elected Chair and Councillor Clare Carragher was appointed Vice-Chair.

Public Transport and Infrastructure Concerns

During the public question time, Mr. Smith raised concerns about the inadequate public transport provision in Waterfront North, specifically the lack of additional bus stops on the number two route and the complete cancellation of services on event days at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium. He suggested an alternative 2A bus service on event days. The committee noted that new infrastructure for bus stops is expected soon and that officers are actively exploring options for an alternative route on match days. Mr. Smith also inquired about reinstating plans for a new Mersey Rail station near Stanley Dock to serve the growing population in the North Docks area. The authority confirmed that a new rapid transport network is being scoped for the area, and future expansion of the heavy rail network, including potential new stations, will be kept under review.

Mr. Wennell raised concerns about the hectic nature of changing trains at Liverpool Lime Street station. He questioned the timing of connecting train announcements and suggested either installing ticket barriers on platforms 6 to 10 or removing them from platforms 1 to 5 to standardise access. The committee noted that trains are typically announced three to four minutes before departure and that an assessment is underway regarding the possibility of installing barriers on platforms 6 to 10. Mr. Wennell also asked about the publicity timeline for new routes and service numbers in St. Helens, following Arriva's announcement to cancel services from September 2026. The committee stated that wider publicity for the new services in St. Helens would commence from 24 July 2026.

Committee Membership and Appointments

The committee formally welcomed new members and thanked those who would not be returning. Councillor Steve Foulkes was elected Chair of the Transport Committee for the upcoming year, and Councillor Clare Carragher was appointed Vice-Chair. The committee also agreed to continue with lead member roles for various areas, including Rail and Freight, Bus, Ferries and Tourism, Organisation and Policy, Active Travel, Tunnels and Key Route Network, and Customer and Smart Ticketing. Nominations were made for spokespersons for each constituent local authority and for representatives to outside bodies, including the Travel Safe Board, West Coast 250, and the Transport for the North Scrutiny Committee.

Network Rail Presentation

Paul Owen, Area Director for Liverpool at Network Rail, and Paul Street, Director of Communications, provided a presentation on Network Rail's operations and performance in the Liverpool City Region. Mr. Owen highlighted Network Rail's new devolved operating model, which aims to improve local decision-making and collaboration with the Combined Authority and Mersey Rail. He discussed Mersey Rail's performance, acknowledging recent issues caused by hot weather and outlining ongoing efforts to address them. The presentation covered infrastructure maintenance, operations, and the specific challenges and successes of the Mersey Rail network, including efforts to improve reliability, resilience, and passenger experience. Key initiatives discussed included efforts to combat flooding, improve fire safety, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. Network Rail also outlined its commitment to supporting station devolution and working with the Combined Authority on future funding bids.

During the Q&A session, Councillor Joanne Burke raised concerns about antisocial behaviour at West Kirby Station and inquired about station ownership and who to contact for improvements. Mr. Owen confirmed that Network Rail owns the station but it is leased and operated by Mersey Rail, and he committed to working with Mersey Rail, Merseyside Police, and British Transport Police to develop a joined-up plan. Councillor Bennion questioned Network Rail's efforts to maintain track and station infrastructure, particularly in light of recent disruptive events, and asked about improving communication regarding vegetation clearance works. Mr. Owen acknowledged the disruption and apologised, stating that investigations into the incidents were concluding and that more communication would be undertaken regarding vegetation works. Councillor Kearns raised concerns about the impact of hot weather on rail infrastructure and suggested mitigation strategies, to which Mr. Owen responded that painting rails white is a tested method used to reduce steel temperature. Councillor Davies inquired about progress on winter resilience, and Mr. Owen detailed the ongoing collaborative efforts with the Combined Authority, Mersey Rail, and Stadler. Councillor Grey raised concerns about fly-tipping and littering along embankments, and Mr. Owen committed to working with her to devise a plan for the specific location. Councillor Thomas asked about the implementation of AI upgrades and the consideration of charging points for electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Mr. Owen explained the use of AI in monitoring for trespass and fault analysis, and stated that he would work with Mersey Rail to explore the feasibility of charging points. Councillor Carragher questioned the 1.1% performance improvement and the communication around infrastructure problems, and Mr. Owen acknowledged that improvements are not yet sufficient and discussed future plans for integrated business units and performance focus weeks.

Transport Policy Context

Huw Jenkins, Lead Officer for Transport Policy, presented a report summarising national and local transport policies, powers, and funding frameworks. He highlighted the Better Connected strategy, the Road Safety Strategy, and the Road Investment Strategy 3, emphasizing a shift towards maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure. Mr. Jenkins also discussed the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, aiming for 55% of short trips to be walked or cycled by 2030. Locally, he outlined the devolution journey, the new Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the Liverpool City Region looking ahead to 2040, and the new devolved powers under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, including powers to tackle pavement parking. The report also detailed the new Integrated Settlement funding model, worth over £1.5 billion, and the associated Outcomes Framework for monitoring progress.

During the discussion, Councillor Liz Grey raised questions about the Baltic Station's planning permission expiry, the transformation of Central Station, and the status of Vauxhall Station. David Powell, Director of Transport Infrastructure Programmes, confirmed that main construction for Baltic Station is expected to begin next year. Jamie, from the Combined Authority, reiterated that Central Station is a major priority and that a £5 billion package is being developed to redevelop it. Regarding Vauxhall Station, the priority is rapid transit and improved walking, cycling, and wheeling facilities in North Liverpool. Councillor George Davies inquired about the integration of road and rail investment funding, and it was confirmed that while an integrated settlement exists locally, national funding pots for roads and rail remain separate. The committee also discussed the potential for centralising taxi licensing at a regional level, with the consensus being that this was not the right solution, and the need for powers to deal with out-of-area licensing. The issue of e-scooters and e-bikes was also raised, with clarification that only Bolt e-scooters are legal in Liverpool, and private e-scooters are illegal on public roads. The committee was informed that Mersey Rail will ban full-size e-bikes from its network from January next year due to fire risk and social behaviour concerns.

Accessible Bus Stop Design Guidance

Richard Oglethorpe, Principal Officer in the Infrastructure Development and Delivery Team, presented the new Accessible Bus Stop Design Guidance. He explained that the guidance replaces outdated 2007 details and incorporates recent changes in transport practice, including the development of cycling schemes. The guidance has been developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, including with local authorities, bus operators, and disability groups. The new guidance covers bus stop location, layout, passenger waiting areas, and routes to bus stops, with a strong emphasis on ensuring accessibility for all users.

During the discussion, Councillor Liz Grey inquired about retrofitting existing bus stops and the consultation process. Mr. Oglethorpe stated that bus stop upgrades will be funded through existing and forthcoming programmes, and that a phased approach will be taken, with engagement with local councillors and communities. He also highlighted the rollout of real-time information systems. Councillor John Abbott asked about policies for wheelchairs and prams, and it was confirmed that new trains are being rolled out with improved accessibility, and that drivers are receiving training on assisting passengers with mobility aids. Councillor Liz Grey also raised concerns about the cost and flexibility of design, particularly in conservation areas, and the need to address antisocial behaviour. Mr. Oglethorpe acknowledged the need for flexibility and noted that the guidance aims to balance consistency with local context. The committee endorsed the Accessible Bus Stop Design Guidance and the Accessible Routes to Bus Stop Design Guidance, recommending their adoption by the Combined Authority and constituent local authorities.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all attendees and a reminder of the next meeting date.