Improved bus links to LJLA

From 4th September travellers to and from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) will now be able to take advantage of improved bus links and lower fares to make their journey better than ever, thanks to an exciting new regional partnership.

The extended 500 bus route from Arriva between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Liverpool One Bus Station now serves Liverpool South Parkway in both directions, providing easier connections for travellers using this busy rail station and bus interchange.

A fleet of upgraded Arriva double decker buses were unveiled out on the runway and main apron at Liverpool John Lennon Airport earlier today and the new 500 service delivers improved comfort and even more space for passengers and their luggage.  All of the buses on the route are equipped with comfortable e-leather seating as well as free Wi-Fi and USB charging so travellers can stay connected on the go.  And to keep passengers fully informed of the progress of their journey, a new audio visual announcement system has been installed on all route 500 buses.

In addition to offering a host of improvements, the newly launched service also comes with a cheaper price tag, with ticket prices reduced from £3 to £2.20.  Rail ‘add-on’ tickets (extending a rail journey on to the airport) are also now cheaper, for example a passenger travelling from Crewe and adding a bus on from South Parkway to the Airport will pay just £2 instead of £2.20.

Arriva has worked in partnership with Merseytravel, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Liverpool City Council and Merseyrail to bring improved bus links and create a more comfortable, connected and cost-effective journey for passengers.

Improved links to and from the Airport and better integration with rail services have been two 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.

Howard Farrall, Managing Director for Arriva Merseyside, said: “The new and improved 500 service now offers much more to passengers, at an even better price.

“We will continue to work with our partners to make further improvements that benefit our passengers, including plans to add even more staff to the Arriva customer care team at the airport to ensure we can look after our customers’ needs on the ground seven days a week.  With further planned improvements for the near future, including bus ticket sales from the Airport Information Desk real time bus travel information.”

Robin Tudor, Head of PR for Liverpool John Lennon Airport added, “The Airport is delighted to have worked in partnership with the other stakeholders to help bring about this improved public transport service.

The extended 500 bus service responds to feedback from our passengers and brings an important improvement for the Airport by giving our passengers a faster, direct link to nearby Liverpool South Parkway, enhancing the customer journey. Combined with the new through-ticketing to enable passengers to purchase a combined rail and bus ticket, this will help to make travel to and from the airport by public transport a more attractive option.”

Said Cllr Liam Robinson, Chair of the Merseytravel Committee:

“We’ve long championed improved links to the Airport which is one of the City Region’s key assets. A frequent connection to rail services gives passengers more choice, opportunity and ease in getting to and from the Airport, whether it be holidaymakers or business travellers, both those locally or from further afield.  People who work at the Airport will also have more flexibility in how they travel.

It’s also about quality of services and we welcome the investment in vehicles that are luggage friendly and can keep passengers connected on the go through WiFi and charging points.”

A pilot 24 hour service on route 86A will run from September to December, further enhancing the coverage at the airport. Read more about this - click here.

Other 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;

• Simpler ticketing and a review of zonal structures and pricing;

• Review of all customer information including more Real Time Information;

• Improved Customer Service training for all bus drivers.

For more information about travelling to LJLA by bus, click here.