The Liverpool BID Company has launched a Travel and Transport Forum in the city’s Commercial District to directly address key transport and commuting issues.
Set up to give businesses and residents in the Commercial District a voice on travel and transport matters, the first meeting started with discussions around the upcoming Wirral line train renewal programme.
The programme is part of Network Rail and the city region’s £340m package of rail improvements, announced earlier this year.
Over the course of the first six months of 2017, essential renewal work on the city centre underground sections of the Wirral line will be carried out.
This means that Wirral line trains will not be able to serve Moorfields, Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations.
At certain times, trains towards Liverpool will be unable to travel beyond Birkenhead Central and Birkenhead North.
Merseyrail, backed by Merseytravel and Network Rail, will be working together to ensure Wirral line passengers can continue to travel into Liverpool city centre while the work takes place.
This will involve passengers using alternative transport such as replacement bus services. Full details on the alternative travel arrangements will be available in the autumn when passengers should check before they travel.
Members’ discussions included utilising other commuter routes such as cycling and the Mersey Ferry and encouraging train users not to opt for the car for fear of the Mersey tunnels getting congested.
Chaired by Commercial District BID operating board member Julie Johnson, the forum plays a key part in delivering the BID’s five-year business plan, of which driving connectivity in the Commercial District is a priority.
The forum will also look at alternative ways of easing congestion at peak commuter times by offering businesses deals to stay late in the city and eat out at restaurants.
Merseyrail bosses also discussed the possibility of introducing ‘late notes’ for employees to use if they are delayed getting into work.
Julie, partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said: “Transport and travel is a fundamental issue for businesses in the Commercial District and we’re here to represent their interests, as well as residents living in this area, to make sure their views can be heard and action can be taken.
“The works taking place on the Wirral loop will have a huge impact on businesses as around half of Merseyrail’s passengers commute to and from the Wirral daily.
“We will be working closely with Merseyrail and other stakeholders to tackle issues during this time and make sure business leaders understand the impact it could have on their workers.”
During phase one, January 3 to February 12, trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central with replacement buses between Wirral and Liverpool stations.
Phase two is between February 13 and May 29 and will see trains start and terminate at James Street station between Monday and Friday.
At weekends, all services will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central.
Phase three and the final 20 days will see all Wirral line trains start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central again with rail replacement buses between Wirral and Liverpool stations.