£6m for public transport improvements

SIX projects to improve the public transport infrastructure on Merseyside have recieved £6m funding from Europe.

Merseytravel will use the money to improve the provision and accessibility of public transport into the city centre.

The projects backed by the European Regional Development Fund include upgrades to four key bus routes (worth £4m)  and also a £680,000 overhaul to the James Street undergound station and £417,000 for refurbishments at the city’s other major gateway underground stations.

Bus system work will include improving bus stops, creating new and upgraded bus lanes, developing traffic signals to enhance bus movements and upgrading pedestrian crossings.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Development Agency, which distributes the European Regional Developmjent Fund said: “These investments will significantly improve access into Liverpool city centre and encourage greater use of public transport, which will both help to ease congestion in the city centre and support the agency’s commitment to tackling the climate change agenda.”
“Through driving up the quality, accessibility and frequency of public transport, I hope that these schemes will help to provide a real, affordable and convenient alternative to car use for local residents.”