NEIL SCALES isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. This is particularly the case with Wirral residents, some of whom blame him personally for keeping the tolls on the tunnels.

But the chief executive of Merseytravel is passionate about his job and a colourful character to boot.

I got to know Mr Scales a couple of years ago when we were huddled with bewigged lawyers at the High Court in London, as I reported on the Mersey Transport Authority’s fight to save the tram project from cancellation.

The attempt to give Merseyside a light rail scheme pitted Mr Scales against another high-profile officer, Sir David Henshaw. The then chief executive of Liverpool Council’s support for the project at times seemed equivocal.

Sir David wasn’t the only opponent with whom Mr Scales has jousted. Network Rail has occasionally felt the point of his lance, most recently in a dispute that delayed the reopening of Sandhills station.

For some years, the Mersey- travel chief executive has worked in harness with another colourful character, his chairman, Sefton Labour councillor Mark Dowd. He’s another man who’s passionate about public transport. His large frame can seem a little intimidating, but there’s usually a twinkle in his eye as he explains the delicate balancing act he has to perform as his party’s representation on the transport body shrinks.

Indeed, I hear the reign of Cllr Dowd could be coming to an end. The setting-up of the Liverpool (or Merseyside) City Region could see a new authority created, incorporating Halton Council.

Its Labour leader, Tony McDermott, is being discussed as a possible successor to Cllr Dowd.

Merseytravel expends much effort on big schemes such as the Superport and the Olive Mount rail link, but at a briefing last week they concentrated on some of the smaller projects.

It’s a fact that 38% of Merseyside people have no access to a car. So the issue for over a third of our population isn’t rising petrol prices and congestion, but how to get to hospital, the supermarket or work.

On the latter point, Deeside has seen a big expansion in jobs. The Mersey Dee Alliance Workwise project, paid for by the European Union, Merseytravel and the councils, has helped 500 take up jobs, with a month’s free travel to work to get them started.

Dial A Link bus services are proving popular, for instance taking people from the new residential areas of St Helens to the Haydock Industrial estate.

And, in Scooter Commuters, 12,000 youngsters have taken part in cycling training.

There are challenges for transport bosses. Bus use is still in decline, and there’s a growing capacity issue on the Mersey rail network.

On a personal basis, Mr Scales faces the challenge of seeing whether his beloved Sunderland can stay in the Premiership. Behind the genial smile, he probably has the Roy Keane toughness to see it all through.