Wirral's first publicly controlled bus services in 40 years launch on Sunday, bringing expanded weekend and evening timetables, more frequent services and improved connections across the borough. The move follows the rollout of publicly controlled services in St Helens, with the network set to expand to Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton in 2027.
New routes to medical centres
The biggest change is the introduction of two brand new services connecting residents with two of the region's major medical centres. The new 453 service will link Irby and Heswall to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, while the new 483/484 circular services will better connect Arrowe Park Hospital with West Kirby, Meols, Hoylake, Moreton, Saughall Massie and Upton.
One service has also been renumbered: the 653 school service, which goes to Wirral Grammar Schools, has become the 453S. Elsewhere on the wider Merseytravel network, an additional service has been added to Liverpool's 31 Maghull Circular timetable, with a new 11.20pm departure on Saturdays.
Public control praised by leaders
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "In just a few days' time, we are taking the next huge step in turning the page on four decades of deregulated, fragmented bus services and bringing Wirral's network back under public control where it belongs."
He added: "We've already seen in St Helens what a difference this can make, and people across Wirral will start seeing the benefits from day one – more buses, better evening and weekend services, improved connections and a brand-new fleet. With £2 fares, more reliable services and a network that is properly joined up with both our trains and our new ferry cross the Mersey, we're building a system that works for everyone and, and one that people can be proud of."
Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said: "Good public transport is essential to helping people access jobs, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, so it's exciting to see this significant new chapter for bus services begin in Wirral."
Network continues as usual
She added: "From more frequent services and better evening and weekend connections to new links serving key destinations across the borough, these changes are designed to make it easier for residents to get where they need to be."
"For many people, buses are a vital part of everyday life. Bringing services back under public control gives us the opportunity to build a network that better reflects the needs of our communities and supports our ambitions for a more connected, inclusive and sustainable Wirral."
Even as bus services are brought under public control, the network will continue to work as it always has, getting people to where they need to go.
