Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has vowed to "set the record straight" regarding plans for a new glider system set to operate across the Liverpool City Region.
The bus rapid transit system – akin to the Glider system in Belfast and a key manifesto promise – is undergoing trials across the six boroughs this month.
Borrowed from Spanish manufacturer Irizar, the 18-metre battery-powered vehicle, adorned in the region's Metro livery, follows last year's initial trial using a Translink vehicle from across the Irish sea. This fresh test will see the vehicle operate on key commuter routes, aiding in collecting feedback from passengers and assessing performance in real-world conditions to help shape the design of the city region's own fleet. Insights from both passengers and road testing will directly influence future procurement.
Now, Mr Rotheram has taken to social media to respond to the sceptics and critics of the plans. He also addressed the question of the installation or absence of a tram system.
The Metro Mayor wrote: "I've been getting a lot of questions about our plans for a rapid transit system using gliders. Let me set the record straight.
"The new rapid transit glider will be part of a fully integrated public transport network – with capped fares, tap-and-go ticketing and better connections between trains, buses, ferries and active travel. It'll carry 30% more passengers than a standard bus, run on zero-emission electric power and offer a quicker, more reliable service.
"And unlike some projects, we can deliver it in the near future – not 10 or 15 years down the line. And yes – they will have their own dedicated road space.
"That means faster journeys and more reliable service, without getting stuck in traffic."
Tackling concerns about a tram network, similar to systems in neighbouring Manchester, Mr Rotheram said the current debate "isn't about what we could do in a perfect world."
He explained: "A tram system sounds great, and I'd be the first to say 'yes we'll have one' – but the reality is a lot more complicated. Just ask anyone who remembers the failed 'Merseytram' project.
"That was killed off under the Lib Dems, after millions had already been spent."
To launch the scheme, the Metro Mayor said it would require parliamentary legislation, billions of pounds of infrastructure investment and ministerial approval.
He contended this would result in "years of disruption in the city centre."
Mr Rotheram added: "All that would take us at least 10 years before a spade has even hit the ground – and we'd be lucky to finish before 2040.
"'But Manchester has a tram network' – yes, Manchester pushed ahead with their plans years ago – when we were ahead, but we were sadly let down by the Lib Dems. And what about guided buses or building new train lines?
"Again – it's not that we haven't looked at them. But every option has trade-offs: road space, disruption, sky-high costs, or relying on third parties like Network Rail."
Mr Rotheram explained that utilising the Glider system represented a "smarter approach" as part of broader proposals to revolutionise the region's transport infrastructure.
He continued: "If we're serious about net zero, economic growth and giving people a real alternative to the car, then we have to get moving now – not sit around waiting for a perfect plan we can't afford or deliver.
"The Glider will be faster, greener and more accessible – and it's just the beginning. We've waited long enough. It's time to get cracking."
Cllr Carl Cashman, leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats, criticised scathing attack on Mr Rotheram's track record whilst rejecting the allegations levelled at his party.
He said: "The height of the Labour Metro Mayor's ambition is a bendy bus, that says it all really.
"He mentions the Lib Dems twice in his highly defensive tweet which is factually inaccurate. It was the Labour Government that killed off the tram and, judging by the comments, the people know that.
"Lib Dem run Liverpool Council at the time fought to get the project off the ground but it was scuppered by Labour infighting. We could build a tram line but the Metro Mayor won't because he lacks ambition.
"It has been eight years of promises with no delivery."
