On Trains & Buses

Merseyside Bus Service Changes in January 2025

Posted on January 20, 2025

Reading time: 3 minutes.

In Merseyside, a raft of changes to bus services, effective from 19^th January 2025, aims to refine routes and schedules to better serve the public. Below, we explore these changes route by route, offering a detailed roadmap for what passengers can expect.

Liverpool to Chester: Routes 1 and X1

Starting with the popular Liverpool to Chester routes, both Routes 1 and X1 have undergone comprehensive timetable alterations. This update ensures improved service efficiency and convenience for daily commuters, borne from a continuous review of passenger needs and travel patterns.

Maghull Circulars: Routes 31, 31A, 32, 32A, and 33

Significant adjustments have been made to the Maghull circular routes to better synchronise with the updated Merseyrail timetable. This change is designed to enhance connectivity and reduce waiting times for passengers, fostering a seamless transition between bus and rail transport.

Route 52 Series: Liverpool to Netherton/Old Roan or Bootle

Minor changes have been implemented across Routes 52, 52A, and 52E. Though these are subtle, they are crucial in avoiding service delays and maintaining punctuality across these busy corridors.

Evenings Standardised: Routes 53 and 60

On Route 53, operated by Arriva, evening services after 20:00 have been standardised to ensure consistent running times, simplifying travel plans for late-night commuters. The same standardisation applies to Route 60 (Bootle to Aigburth Vale), optimising the evening travel experience.

Timetable Changes and Terminations: Routes 54, 54A, and 55

For Route 54, passengers will note a crucial change in its termination point, now ending at Whitechapel instead of Sir Thomas Street. Meanwhile, Route 54A remains unchanged. On Route 55, several trips have been retimed, impacting both morning and evening services, while Route 55D journeys will now arrive two minutes earlier.

Peak Adjustments: Routes 58 and 58A

Routes 58 and 58A, connecting Liverpool to Netherton, have seen timing adjustments during morning and evening peak hours. These improvements are designed to alleviate congestion and enhance reliability during high-traffic periods.

Subtle Shifts: Routes 61, 61A, 61B

While Route 61 remains untouched, Route 61A has two amended trips in the afternoon, and Route 61B witnesses changes to all evening trips. Passengers should familiarise themselves with the new schedules to ensure timely travel.

Bootle Circular Enhancements: Route 144

Route 144 sees its evening and Sunday trips rerouted to include additional sections of Marsh Lane and Irlam Road. This expansion reflects a commitment to widening service coverage and meeting community needs.

Introducing a New Service: Route 921

Perhaps the biggest development is the introduction of Route 921, offering a new daily service connecting Gillars Green to Omega Business Park via St Helens. Scheduled to commence on 20 January 2025, this route underscores efforts to boost accessibility to important business hubs.

Service Consistency and Minor Adjustments

Many routes, including Routes 80/80A, 81/81A, and 86 series, have experienced comprehensive timing changes to enhance service reliability. Additionally, Route 133 from Kirkby to Waterloo and Route X2 from Liverpool to Preston have seen minor timing modifications for better commuter alignment.

Summary

As these changes roll out, Merseyside bus users are encouraged to review the new timetables available online or at service stations. While the alterations aim to increase efficiency and service quality, some adjustment undoubtedly will be necessary. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and stay informed about further updates.