Liverpool fans are in agreement that better public transport links are badly needed for those travelling to and from Anfield stadium.
Yesterday a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting heard discussions about the possibility of tram train technology being uses to answer public transport issues for the famous stadium and other parts of north and east Liverpool.
Members were debating the development of the combined authority’s local transport plan, which looks to improve public transport options and encourage people to swap their car for a cleaner, greener alternative. Cllr Steve Radford, chair of the committee, and Tuebrook and Stoneycroft member, said on Liverpool matchdays you can “sense” the air pollution being generated by cars around the stadium and proposed the adoption of passenger trains on the nearby Canada Dock Branch line, known as the Bootle Branch line.
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He said: “That part of Liverpool doesn’t have a rail system as an alternative and we have a Bootle branch line that could lend itself to adaptation and a train station there.” Cllr Robinson said the combined authority had committed to a feasibility study for the area in and around Anfield.
Cllr Robinson - who will soon step down as transport chair for the city region after being elected the leader of Liverpool Labour - said that tram technology could be another option for alleviating congestion issues in the L4 area.
He said: “We’ve widened the remit of the studies we’re doing. We’re looking at other kinds of alternatives, like tram train technology that could use the Bootle branch line and onto street running tracks to get closer to the stadium, that could be an option.”
A number of Liverpool fans and those who have visited Anfield in recent times agreed that some form of new public transport is badly needed in the area.
Commenting on the Liverpool Echo story, Mike Mooney said: "I went to Anfield in the summer with my wife to watch The Eagles and was shocked at how difficult it was to get from there back to town.
"It was a fifteen minute walk just to get on a sweaty bus. The city is so backward in its transport system vision with the lack of a train connection to the airport another massive own goal."
Rob Mason said he would "love" to see some more investment in the Anfield area. He added: "Traffic control measures, rail station, housing and bars/ restaurants. This could all be centred around the stadium for matchdays and events."
The idea of trains or trams serving Anfield would not just be a huge bonus for those looking to head in and out of the area on matchdays, but also for those living near to the stadium who have to cope with the impacts when Liverpool play at home.
Sammy Young said: "I live in Anfield and match days are horrendous. You have got to plan to go out during the match before and getting to and from work is a nightmare."
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