TRANSPORT chiefs are still fighting to bring a tram system to Merseyside, the Daily Post can reveal.
Merseytravel is today launching a £200m five-year strategy for the future of transport in the region and once again commits itself to trying to resurrect the doomed scheme.
It states Line One of the tram was integral to its plans and is still key to the regeneration of the Liverpool-Kirkby corridor.
The scheme collapsed when £170m of government money for the scheme was withdrawn last November but could be vital if Everton FC decides to move to Kirkby.
New plans are being drawn up and will include the tram scheme as well as alternatives, which will be released in July.
Merseytravel chairman Cllr Mark Dowd said: "We would be foolish to rule out a tram scheme now, particularly if Everton wants to move there.
"We also have a newSecretary of State for Transport now so we want to leave all of our options open.
"We are drawing up a new report and will look at every option for there."
The Local Transport Plans also sets a scheme to improve links to Mersey Ports and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, as well as finding an alternative to the collapsed Edge Lane bypass and improved links to Southport to help boost it as a tourism destination.
The Passenger Transport Authority aims to make buses and trains faster, safer, cheaper, more frequent and more reliable and reduce congestion.
But car drivers will be bottom of the list of priorities in the plan that will shape the region until 2011. Officials want to put pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport above private vehicles.
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