Government to inject £1.6bn into transport projects in Liverpool city region including ‘Glider’ buses that will operate ‘rapid transport routes’ to the city’s two football stadiums and Liverpool Airport. Tony McDonough reports

£100m plans for three rapid transport routes linking Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Anfield Stadium Everton’s new stadium are set to become a reality.

Liverpool city region has secured £1.6bn from the Government for new transport schemes as part of its five-year-settlement allocation, from 2027/28 to 2031/32. This includes £100m for three new bus rapid transit routes.

This project was first unveiled in 2024 when Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram borrowed a so-called ‘Glider’ bus from Belfast where the vehicles are already in operation.

These 18-metre, articulated vehicles can carry around 30% more passengers than an average double decker bus. They look like trams but have wheels and are designed to operate on roads, running in dedicated lanes.

They also have three sets of double doors, allowing people to board and alight much more quickly, reducing the time spent at stops. Since the Glider network began operation in Belfast in 2018 it is estimated it has replaced more than 2.5m car trips.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has yet to confirm how the rest of the money will be spent although it is likely to cover transport projects that have already been announced.

Recent new projects include £100m for a new Merseyrail station in the Baltic district, a 58-strong fleet of electric buses costing more than £30m and a new Mersey Ferry, currently being built at Cammell Laird, with a price tag of £26m.

Mr Rotheram said: “This is a massive vote of confidence in our region and shows what’s possible when national and local governments pull in the same direction.

“With £1.6bn coming our way, we can get on with building the kind of transport network people here deserve: new train stations, a rapid transit system, and a bus service run for people, not profit.

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“It’s not just about better connections; good transport is a real engine of growth. It helps people get to work, supports new homes and businesses, and builds the foundations of a fairer, more productive economy.

“With a chancellor who’s willing to back our ambition, we’ve now got the funding to make it happen.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is announcing the transport funding at an event in Manchester on Wednesday. It will total £15.6bn in spending and may include cash for a new high speed rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester.

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