New city station considered in Merseytravel 30-year plan

Merseytravel said the network would be 160% over capacity if improvements were not made

A new Liverpool city centre railway station is to be considered by the area's transport authority.

Merseytravel has revealed its plans for the rail network over the next 30 years, which includes "investigating the potential" for a new central stop.

Other moves include new rolling stock, electrifying lines and improving travel times and connections.

Councillor Liam Robinson, chairman of Merseytravel, said it needed to prepare for an increase in passengers.

He said: "We know that if we chose to do nothing in the next 30 years, most of our local network will be 160% over capacity, so to stand still really is not an option.

"We already have a successful network in Merseyrail, but we want to make sure we can build on that strength."

Although the planned HS2 high-speed line is not set to run to Liverpool, Mr Robinson said the moves would make the area "HS2 ready".

The plans include:

• Increasing frequency of Liverpool to London services and new direct routes to Scotland and South Wales

• New stations at Skelmersdale, Kirkby, Carr Mill, Ditton, Maghull North, St James, Vauxhall and Town Meadow

• Extending the platforms at Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central

• Extending services between South Parkway and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Speke and Runcorn on the City Line

• Electrifying the Cheshire Line to allow for faster trains and new stations at Tarbock Interchange and Warrington West

• Restoring direct connections to Wrexham and North Wales from Liverpool and Liverpool John Lennon Airport

The strategy will go before the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority for approval on 19 September.