Speaking in Rochdale today (June 4), Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled the Government’s investment plans for public transport. The Labour government is set to invest £15.6bn in public transport projects, with most of the funding going to the Midlands and North of England.
As a result, the Liverpool City Region is getting a total of £1.6 billion over a five-year-settlement allocation from 2027/2028 to 2031/2032.
This was named as the “largest-ever investment” in local public transport in the area, with plans for three new Merseyrail stops.
What is more, Liverpool is getting three new rapid transport routes to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, to Anfield Stadium, and to Everton’s new ground, Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The full Green Book review is set to be published on June 11, alongside the wider review.
Ms Reeves said: “Investment in the Liverpool City Region, backing the mayor Steve Rotheram to deliver three new rapid bus routes, linking up the city centre, John Lennon Airport, Anfield, the new Everton stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock and new homes built on the Central Docks redevelopment alongside the largest ever investment in Merseyside railway stations to serve Halton (Cheshire), St Helens and Woodchurch.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This is a massive vote of confidence in our region and shows what’s possible when national and local governments pull in the same direction.
“With £1.6bn coming our way, we can get on with building the kind of transport network people here deserve: new train stations, a rapid transit system, and a bus service run for people, not profit.
“It’s not just about better connections; good transport is a real engine of growth. It helps people get to work, supports new homes and businesses, and builds the foundations of a fairer, more productive economy. With a chancellor who’s willing to back our ambition, we’ve now got the funding to make it happen.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the North and Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy, and driving up quality of life as we deliver our Plan for Change.”
“For too long, people in the North and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve. With £15.6bn of government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns, and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”