Merseyside's transport infrastructure was given a major boost today when Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling opened three projects set to benefit bus, rail and air travellers.
During his visit to Merseyside today, Mr Darling officially opened:
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A new £32.5 million terminal at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which will increase capacity and offer additional passenger benefits.
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The £5 million redevelopment of Arriva North West depot in Birkenhead, replacing the 100-year-old original tram sheds with the latest high tech facilities.
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The £810,000 modernisation and improvements to the Kirkby bus rail interchange including better access and improved facilities.
Mr Darling said:
"The Government has invested £63.8 million into local transport on Merseyside this year and I am pleased to have been given this opportunity to see for myself the improvements vital investment can bring to Merseyside's air, rail and bus services.
"The developments I have seen today at John Lennon Airport, Birkenhead bus depot and at the Kikby bus rail interchange, give a clear signal from Government and its transport partners, that we are dedicated to making things better.
"During my visit I spoke at a conference seeking the opening of new routes between French and North West regional airports, seen the results of a £32 million investment in modernising Merseyrail's trains and called-in on an innovative 'Job Link' bus, to see how it is helping people get to work.
"These are just some of the initiatives helping to ensure Merseyside has a much improved transport system as it heads toward being European Capital of Culture in 2008."
