Liverpool Lib Dems call for new tram line to new Everton Stadium

Liverpool’s Liberal Democrat councillors are pushing for a new tram line connecting the city centre to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The ambitious proposal aims to improve matchday transport, ease parking pressures for local residents, and provide a modern, low-carbon travel solutions to Everton Stadium.

Liverpool Lib Dem leader Cllr Carl Cashman says the plan reflects the big-thinking approach that transformed Liverpool during the party’s previous leadership, which oversaw major projects like Liverpool ONE and the M&S Bank Arena.

He argues that the city’s current leadership have failed to deliver on transport solutions, pointing to the recently announced fan zone at Sandhills Station.

Cllr Carl Cashman said:

“We really are getting the bog standard here from Labour. Putting up a fence at Sandhills does not count as doing anything that people want. Labour has also failed to come up with a proper plan for parking around the stadium.

“We really need a tram line.”

The fan zone at Sandhills Station was introduced as a way to manage matchday crowds heading to Everton’s new ground, but critics have dismissed it as an inadequate solution.

On social media, the plan has been criticised, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) posting:

“They’ve had years to come up with this, this isn’t good enough.”

Another user added:

“Genuinely pathetic, makes the city look a show.”

Beyond transport, the City Council’s approach to parking near the stadium has also faced backlash, with local businesses and residents raising concerns over lack of planning and disruption.

Cllr Cashman said:

“I have been contacted by many businesses who are affected by the council’s plans, some of whom have been in that area of Liverpool for over 50 years. The plans need a thorough rethink.”

The owner of Hot Water Comedy Club has also publicly criticised the council’s approach, calling their plans “disgraceful.”

Carl Cashman added:

“It’s interesting that I am being contacted by so many business leaders who want to invest in and see our city prosper. They are bypassing Labour and coming straight to the Lib Dems.

“After an interesting conversation with an expert on trams, there’s clear evidence that a tram would work in Liverpool and would create low cost, low carbon travel alongside huge investment.”

The tram proposal will be a key part of the Lib Dems’ ‘Plan for Liverpool’ as they push for major infrastructure improvements to support the city’s future growth.

Following the concerns from fans on X, Mayor Steve Rotheram, has said he is committed to listening to feedback. He posted on X:

“I know a lot of people have questions about the new fan zone at Sandhills station ahead of the opening of @EvertonStadium later this year.

“Rest assured we’ve been listening to feedback from fans, and we’re working to make sure it is a smooth and safe experience for everyone.”

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