Journey Towards an Integrated Transport System: The Future of Merseyrail Beyond 2028

The Combined Authority is progressing work to determine the most effective approach for operating rail services beyond 2028 when the current Merseyrail concession is scheduled to end.

A report going to the Combined Authority in March summarises the work completed to date and highlights the important role the rail network plays in delivering a seamless, integrated transport system.

The summary indicates that a publicly owned and operated rail network could offer a strong opportunity to improve integration across transport modes and enhance services for passengers.

The reports notes that this approach would also be in line with current government transport policy and nationwide moves to bring more train operators into public ownership.

In light of these findings, it is being recommended that a full and detailed assessment of the options for bringing the Merseyrail operation under public control is undertaken together with a plan setting out the steps required to deliver that.

A further report will be submitted to the Combined Authority when the assessment is complete.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“My ambition for our transport network has always been to simply build a system that’s fully integrated, accessible to all, and as affordable as possible for passengers.

“As we look ahead to the future of the Merseyrail concession beyond 2028, it has been vital that we undertook a thorough and robust assessment of the options to ensure any new operating model delivers the very best value for passengers – providing a rail service that is reliable, efficient and fit for the future.

“Since I was elected, passengers have been at the heart of every decision the Combined Authority I lead has taken – from bringing our buses back under local control, to investing £26 million in a state-of-the-art new Mersey Ferry, rolling out contactless ticketing across the network, expanding active travel routes, and progressing significant rail improvements, including four new stations. Taken together, these ambitious investments are helping us to drive up standards and drive down costs, making it faster, easier and cheaper for people to get from A to B.”

The report is due to be considered by the Combined Authority at the next meeting on Friday 6 March.