News Archive

12th July 2005
Merseyside local authorities have released an update on progress towards resolving the funding problems facing the Merseytram project. Support is growing but time is running out, and transport chiefs have until the end of the month to save the scheme. The already tight constuction programme was supposed to begin on 1 July, for completion before Capital of Culture year 2008, so the project is already running late.

13th June 2005
Transport Minister Alistair Darling has refused to pay for Line One of Merseytram, following an increase in the amount required from the Govenment from £170m to £238m. Unless a revised funding package can be arranged this will probably mean the end of the Merseytram project.

7th April 2005
Merseytravel has named a consortium called M-Pact which comprises Laing O’Rourke and Grant Rail as the preferred bidder for the construction work on Line One. Subject to final contractual details, construction is scheduled to begin in July 2005 and to be completed for 2008.

2nd April 2005
The government has made a payment to Merseytravel of £4.2 million towards the development costs of Line One. The main £200 million funding is not expected to be approved until the summer.