STOP THE TROLLEYBUS !

Metro isn’t the first passenger transport executive to try to build a trolleybus system in the UK in recent years. In 1998, Merseytravel submitted an application for a Transport and Works Act Order to build a 10 mile long trolleybus line in Liverpool. The proposed route ran from Albert Dock, along Lord Street and Church Street in the city centre, past the Catholic Cathedral and on to the suburb of Page Moss. A spur would have run from Springfield Park to a park and ride at Thingwall Hall.

At the public inquiry held in November and December 1998, Professor Alan Proudlove and chartered surveyor Stuart Marsden said the scheme would bring little benefit to those living nearby, would damage trade in Liverpool’s main shopping street, and waste resources better spent elsewhere. They said, “The scheme continues to be sold by its promoters as a ‘rapid transit’ system when it is in truth far from that.” In conclusion, they said that less than 5% of the population would benefit, but 95% would be harmed by the MRT scheme.

Merseyside bus operator MTL said, “… even Merseytravel admits that 84% of all users will come from existing public transport users so the main shift will be from one form to another.”

In May 1999, the planning inspector recommended that the scheme should be rejected. Following this, the Secretary of State refused Merseytravel’s application for a Transport and Works Act Order. The grounds given were that the trolleybus route was across a public park, that it would be dangerous to run trolleybuses through a pedestrianised area, that the scheme would in effect be subsidised by the existing bus operator, and that the need for the scheme had not been demonstrated.

Neil Scales, Merseytravel’s director general reacted with anger and disbelief, “It beggars belief that we have invested seven years research and dialogue – the last two with a committed private sector partner – into such a major project for it to be summarily dismissed.”

Liverpool council leader Mike Storey blasted the decision: “It is a devastating blow for our city, for Knowsley and for Merseyside. We cannot believe that they have taken this decision. I want us to send a delegation immediately to try to get this reversed.”

Peter Millea, the council’s spokesman on transportation and a member of Merseytrvel said, “I cannot believe they have done this to Liverpool.”

But local MP Jane Kennedy said, “It is a well-founded finding because there were many reservations expressed including many objections from residents and shopkeepers along the route.”

Local councillor Maggie McDaid said, “I am delighted with the outcome because the scheme is ill-conceived and did not have the backing of everyone.”

Liverpool’s trolleybus project was called Merseyside Rapid Transit (MRT). It would have cost £54 million. The Transport Department received 158 objections to it.

References

1. Merseyside Business Prospect – Dec 1998
2. Inspector’s Report
3. Secretary of State’s Decision Letter 12.5.99
4. Liverpool Echo 10.12.98
5. Daily Post 13.5.99