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Sefton bus network changes
set to be implemented
CHANGES to Sefton bus services as part
of the on going bus network reviews, aimed at creating a simpler, clearer
network across the City region, are set to be introduced on Sunday, 23 April
2017. Improvements to services in Sefton include:-
► Improved link between Maghull and Aintree University Hospital.
► Improved evenings and Sundays provision linking South
and East Maghull to Maghull
Station.
► Evenings and Sundays service introduced on
Service 58.
► Evenings and Sundays service introduced on
Service 144.
► Evenings and Sundays service introduced on
Service 159.
► Extended hours of
operation of service 300 between Liverpool and Lydiate and 310
between Liverpool and Maghull.
► 300 and 310 timetable better co-ordinated in Maghull.
Full details of the changes can be found on the Merseytravel
website.
Sefton is the latest area to be reviewed as part of a wider review of the whole
Liverpool City Region bus network.
The reviews are 1 of the key work areas of the Bus Alliance which is seeing
Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach work together to transform bus services to
encourage more people to take the bus. However, network reviews involve all bus
operators in the area that is under review.
Historically bus routes have been considered on a piecemeal basis and the idea
is to consider the commercial network and the supported network; that which
relies on public subsidy via Merseytravel; as a whole for the first time, to
ensure it best reflects current working and living patterns and new developments
and how they are served.
Part of the review has been looking at the current supported bus network and
considering how increasingly limited public resources can be focused where there
is most need. A consultation process involving members of the public and key
stakeholders, which saw a number of drop in events across Sefton and an online
survey, has helped to shape the review.
As has been in the case with the other reviews, Impacts of changes have been
mitigated by re-routing some existing commercial services where possible to
negate the need for a service supported by public funding. The proposals
endeavour to ensure that everyone is within reasonable distance of a bus
service.
The consultation for Sefton has resulted in adaptations to routes and services
beyond those that were originally proposed, including adjustments to the Maghull
circular services.
Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel said:- "The review of the
Sefton bus network has resulted in some significant improvements, which have
resulted in better links for part of the area than were previously available.
We've worked hard with operators to devise this new simpler, clearer network and
have listened to people who live and work in Sefton, making some changes to our
initial proposals as a result.
In some cases, people may have to walk slightly further to a bus stop or make a
connection to complete their journeys, but we've ensured that everyone can
access bus services. This is another example of us working innovatively through
the Bus Alliance at a time when, as a result of budget cuts, some areas outside
our City Region have communities left without any services at all."
The Bus Alliance is an agreement between Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach to
improve bus travel for people across the Liverpool City Region. In time, it is
hoped that other bus operators will join the Alliance.
The Alliance's ambition is for a thriving, affordable and sustainable bus
network that offers the customer a value for money and hassle free journey
experience; leading to an increase in fare paying passengers. It will look at
creating simpler networks and fare structures to more investment in the buses
themselves. Encouraging more people to travel by bus drives investment and means
less reliance on the public purse.
Key work areas of the Bus Alliance will include:-
► A review of the City Region bus network.
► Investment in new and
greener vehicles.
► On board Wi-Fi and at
seat USB charging points on all new vehicles.
► Improved bus links to and from John Lennon Airport.
► Streamlined service changes to make bus services more stable.
► Simpler ticketing and a review of zonal structures and pricing.
► Review of all customer information including more Real Time Information.
► Better integration of bus and rail services. |
