Explore the reasons behind Merseyside’s lack of trams, despite repeated proposals and public desire.
So, why no trams yet? In 2001, plans for Merseytram emerged, envisioning a loop around Liverpool with three branching lines. It initially got government backing. However, rows and funding issues ultimately killed it in 2011. Liverpool once had trams, from 1898 to 1957. As trams declined, Merseyrail grew.
Prior to Merseytram, “Mersey Rapid Transit” failed in 1997. In 2001, Merseytravel proposed Merseytram. Three lines were planned to connect key areas, with one running from Liverpool to Kirkby, another to Prescot, and the last connecting the airport.
The city loop would link stations and attractions. Specifically, Line 1 would run to Kirkby, Line 2 was for Prescot, and Line 3 would serve the airport.
So, what happened to Merseytram? Merseytram got £170m in 2002, with the budget set at £225m, and construction was to start in 2005, with the aim to open two years later. Delays and rising costs struck the project.
The contract went late, and the bidding reopened. GrantRail and Laing O’Rourke got Line 1, spending over £70m. Rails were bought, but no track was laid. The budget rose to £361m; they needed £238m from the government.
The government refused more money, demanding promises of no more requests. Because of this, funding was pulled in 2005. The high cost killed the project, with ministers blaming the increasing costs.
The government worried about out-of-control spending, leading to the project’s demise. Merseytravel was left with a £70m bill, including borrowed money, which they used on design, land, and legal fees. The purchased rails then sat in storage at a port.
Merseytravel tried again later. In 2007, a minister was open to a new plan. Everton’s stadium ideas were a factor, too. A rejected stadium inspired efforts to revive the tram, because the stadium site was near a tram line.
Merseytravel thought the stadium would help Line 1. They still had the rails from before. While councillors preferred the airport line, Merseyrail argued fans would make Line 1 viable. The stadium idea failed, and the project was seemingly dead again. They sought £450m in funding anyway.
Leaders were told they missed a funding opportunity. A minister warned them to watch development closely. The council leader said the letter killed the tram. The project formally closed in 2013, with officials deciding it was not viable.
The rails were eventually sold at a loss. The steel cost £821,000, but they sold it for £267,657.
Despite past failures, the idea of trams persists. In 2019, hopes for the airport line surfaced, and a light rail idea was considered. Also in 2019, plans arose for a city system to link the station, Paddington Village, and the universities.
Currently, a “Glider” transport unit is in the works, which could connect the city and airport. It is being tested and could be ready by EURO 2028. So, while a tram network feels distant now, the stadium travel issues might change things.