Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on Friday approved plans to invest £172 million in public and sustainable transport to drive inclusive growth across the city region.

The Combined Authority set out a priority list of 18 green transport projects, including new stations, new Mersey ferries and major improvements to public transport.

All of the identified projects must still go through a full appraisal process.

Speaking about the schemes, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “This ambitious £172.5 million programme will help to drive economic growth that benefits everyone in our city region by dramatically improving sustainable transport across our city region.

“By making it easier for people to get around, and access jobs and opportunities, using public transport or by walking and cycling, we will boost prosperity, help our environment, and improve health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Air Quality, said: “These plans mark one of the Combined Authority’s most significant investments yet in making our transport system more sustainable.

“By increasing our public transport network and making it more attractive, as well as making it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike, we are giving a green boost to our city region’s economy, that will benefit everyone who lives and works here.”

Projects to be supported through the Transporting Cities Fund must fall into three main themes: improving and expanding the public transport network to meet new areas of demand; improving the appeal of public transport; and improving health and wellbeing.