WARRINGTON Borough Council has not ruled out a tram system for the town in the future.
In 2021, Town Hall chiefs confirmed a tram system for Warrington was among the mass transit options still ‘very much on the table’.
Following the adoption of the council’s local transport plan, LTP4, study work was taking place to develop schemes and initiatives to deliver the aims and objectives set out in the policy documents.
Meanwhile, a mass transit study was taking place with enhanced bus service networks, a dedicated guided bus system, or a light rail transit or tram system as the options.
As reported this week, the Labour-run council has set out the next phase of investment plans to help drive up the quality of bus services in the borough.
The council’s updated Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) has been submitted to the Government – highlighting the successes since the BSIP funding was awarded, and looking to the months and years ahead.
Warrington has received just over £17 million in BSIP funding from the Government since 2022, as part of national plans to reduce bus fares, increase passenger numbers and improve service quality.
A requirement of the funding is the production of an updated BSIP to be submitted to Government, to review progress against existing targets and to set out the next phase of improvement plans.
With improvements made to bus services in Warrington, the council has been asked if this means that a tram system has been ruled out for the town.
In response, a spokesman said: “No, a tram system has not been ruled out as part of the future transport network in Warrington.
“Following the adoption of LTP4 in December 2019, the council commenced a mass transit and bus priority study which sought to look at short and long-term solutions to increasing public transport passenger numbers for local trips within Warrington.
“Mass transit can include a range of vehicle and mode types from conventional bus through, guided bus to tram and light rail systems.
“Following the publication of the Government's ‘Bus Back Better: national bus strategy’ and subsequent guidance on Bus Service Improvement Plans, we have refocused this work on taking advantage of the opportunities to support the borough’s existing bus operations and network , which has led to significant investment in bus services and the planned implementation of bus priority improvements on A49 Winwick Road.
“This does not mean however, that in the longer term, further transformation of the transport systems in Warrington is not possible. In the next two years and in support of a likely review of the local transport plan, the longer-term horizon of 15-20 years will be revisited and what future mass transit systems might be required or delivered in Warrington.”
The town’s Liberal Democrats have highlighted that in 2016 a four-line tram system was proposed for Warrington as part of an integrated public transport network – with ‘Trams for Warrington’ set up to develop these ideas.
Cllr Sharon Harris, the Liberal Democrat group environment spokesperson, said: “I joined this group but was disappointed the council never took us seriously.
"Trams would take cars off the road and reduce air pollution.
"A mass transit system is still being considered but further work will be delayed by the new electric buses. We were the only local political party promoting trams and we remain committed to this.
“The new East West trainline and a revamped Bank Quay station will have a major impact. There is still talk of extending the Manchester Metrolink.
“When our transport plan is refreshed, we urge the council to look seriously at trams.”
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