Merseyrail network connection for town
WIDNES could be connected to the Merseyrail network under plans unveiled as Steve Rotheram launched his campaign for re-election as metro mayor.
The Labour candidate issued a statement that his Merseyrail For All proposals would explore linking ‘under-served’ areas, namely Widnes, Carr Mill in St Helens and Woodchurch in Wirral.
His campaign announcement said his transport plan would include ‘new Merseyrail stations’.
Mr Rotheram also pledged to publish a longterm plan for a Londonstyle transport system with: ‘tap in tap out’ contactless ticketing, a daily fare cap, a reformed bus market offering a better service for passengers, and an integrated cycling and walking network.
Another pillar of his reelection campaign announced on Friday, is a promise to introduce a Young Persons’ Guarantee offering a job, training or apprenticeship opportunity for every 18-24 year-old within six months of them becoming unemployed.
He also wants a ‘green industrial revolution’ to tackle climate change, including a Mersey Tidal Power scheme and a ‘Good Homes Standard’ to promote quality, energy efficient newbuild homes.
Mr Rotheram also cited his record in the last three years including his headline 2017 manifesto commitments of reducing Fast Tag tunnel tolls to £1, introducing a UCAS-style system and half-price travel for apprentices, and creating an £8m Housing First scheme to reduce homelessness.
He also called for more decision-making powers to be devolved to the city region.
Speaking at his campaign launch, Mr Rotheram said: “I want to create a region where no one is left behind and today I’m setting out my vision for how I’ll do just that.
“Offering our young people real opportunities to succeed, building a first-class public transport system and tackling the climate emergency are central to my plans for building a fairer, more equal local economy.
“For too long decisions about our future have been made far away in London by people who probably couldn’t find us on a map.
“Devolution has given us to chance to change that and over the past three years we’ve begun to show we can deliver real improvements for local people by placing local communities at the heart of everything that we do.
“With a newly-elected Tory Government we need to use May’s local elections to send a message loud and clear that devolution is here to stay.
“Moving forward, we want more decisions to be taken here by local people, not by Boris Johnson down in London.”