Plans to revolutionise the Liverpool City Region's public transport network took 'another huge step forward' today as the first of the region's new hydrogen buses came into service.
The new buses will run between St Helens and Liverpool city centre on the busy 10A route, jointly operated by Arriva and Stagecoach but with new yellow Metro branding.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has purchased 20 of the state-of-the-art new buses and the first public journey got underway at St Helens Bus Station this morning (Monday).
READ MORE: Mum 'proud to be scouse' after response to son's bullying
The hydrogen-powered buses are now operating on what will become the region’s first ‘green route’ which is currently served by 10A services.
The new zero-emissions buses include increased capacity for wheelchair users and passengers with prams or buggies. Other additional features include wireless and USB phone charging, internet access and reading lights above seats.
The vehicles are also fitted with camera wing mirrors to improve safety, as well as audio and visual announcements for next stops, with high definition onboard screens to update passengers on journey progress, next stops and onward travel connections in real time.
Speaking about her first journey on one of the new hydrogen buses, Funke Adekunle of Fairfield said: “I really love it. I saw one of the old ones behind it, but I just had to get on this one. It’s so comfortable and it looks so classy. I use this route all the time, and I really hope next time I take the bus it’s one of these.”
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram sees the new buses as a key part of his plans for a London-style interconnected public transport system along with the £500m fleet of new Merseyrail trains that are being rolled out across the network at present.
Joining passengers on board one of the new buses in St Helens, Mayor Rotheram said: “Today marks a monumental moment in our region’s history as our new publicly owned hydrogen buses enter service for the first time. This new fleet is the gold standard of public transport that our residents deserve – and signifies another huge step forward in our journey to revolutionise our region’s bus network.
“Designed in consultation with local people, these are some of the most accessible and sophisticated buses in the country with more space for wheelchairs, audio visual announcements, free phone charging and Wi-Fi. The only emission they produce is clean water vapour, which will be massive in helping our region to hit its target to be net zero by 2040 – at least a decade before national government.
“However, this is just a down payment on my ambitions for our region. Using the powers that devolution has given to us, last week we launched a public consultation to give our residents a say on the future of our buses as we work towards reregulating our network – and I would encourage all our residents to make sure their voice is heard.
“Along with our new publicly owned £500m battery powered trains, we’re putting the public back into public transport and building a 21st century London-style transport network that’s faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable – where no one is left behind.”
Olivia Pratt-Korbel murderer Thomas Cashman's jail sentence will not be extended
Netflix airs film on Liverpool gangsters, guns, drugs and ear biting
Mum 'proud to be scouse' after response to son's bullying
Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold makes 'difficult' claim after he leaves Liverpool
