Liverpool is a big city, where lots of area’s somehow look both exactly the same and nothing alike all at the same time. It’s safe to say that our winding roads and streets can be confusing for anyone, let alone newcomers. That’s why it’s important to know beforehand, the ways available for you to travel around the city. Start with the instrument of travel before working your way up to navigation. So, without further ado, here’s a guide to public transport in Liverpool.
By Bus
Arriva
Arriva Bus Services are one of the more prevalent modes of transport throughout the city. With bus stops usually posted along main roads, travel by bus is one of the more convenient and affordable modes of transport. But, you have to know which buses cover which area’s, and what tickets you need for what buses. Because Arriva isn’t the only bus service available and most tickets aren’t interchangeable.
Stagecoach
Stagecoach buses are also on routes around the city and towards outer lying areas like St Helens and the Wirral. Bus routes and timetables can be found online as well as on apps like the Arriva Bus app, which has a live tracking feature so you know exactly where your bus is and when.
Important Bus Routes
If you’re living in student accommodation then most of your daily and social life will revolve around the city centre and area’s close to it. In which case it’s important to know these routes if you want to take full advantage of the public transport in Liverpool!
The 699 bus route is beloved by university students because it passes by all the vital stops – including the student guild and the bus stop right outside it. It’s such a popular bus choice for students, that the University of Liverpool even made a video explaining its route. It’s a paid bus service, provided by Arriva, so you can either buy as you go with tickets as low as £2.20, or splash out for a student bus pass if you’re going to be frequent traveller.
Rail
There are currently 92 – 70 of which are wheelchair accessible – train stations in Merseyside, all of which can be found on the Mersey Travel website. Students seeking public transport in Liverpool are most likely to focus on the MerseyRail, and travelling to coastal areas like Southport and New Brighton.
There are three types of tickets available for railway travel: a Railpass ticket, a Trio ticket, and a Saveaway ticket. With a Railpass, you could spend as little as £17.40 depending on where you want to be able to travel, and for how long. For a trio ticket, it starts at £19.70 for a week of travel across 1 zone of the city. The Saveaway ticket is a daily ticket, with an adult ticket for one area costing £4.20, and a ticket covering the whole county costing £5.55. So, if you’re a regular commuter it might be worth investing in the more expensive, longer-lasting tickets. However, if you’re just a student looking for a fun day out then I’d stick with the Saveaway!
Important Rail Routes
If it’s a fun day at the beach you’re after, then you take the Merseyrail to Southport along the Northern Line, from Platform 2 at Liverpool Central Station. But, if you’re headed across the water, maybe for a day at the aquarium, then you take the Merseyrail to Ellesmere Port along the Wirral Line, from Platform A at Liverpool Lime Street Station.
Bikes and Scooters
Anyone walking through the city centre knows that since the first lockdown, these electric modes of public transport have risen in popularity. A few years ago it was the case where you couldn’t even debate getting on these green bikes without being (literally) laughed out of town. But, everything’s changed now, and suddenly everyone’s whizzing about.
They’re parked and left lying pretty much everywhere, and are actually inexpensive when you think of how much use they get. The CityBike has a £1 renting cost, and after that it’s 25p per 15 minutes. But, they have a maximum spending cost: £10 for pedalling, £15 for electric. So, if you’re a cycle type of person you’ve got to be quick about it! CityBike even offers student membership for those interested in using their bikes more often than just occasionally.
The e-scooters are a different kettle of fish. Although fun and reminiscent of out childhood, they’re here on a trial basis and actually require those hiring them to be 18 and have a driver’s licence. They are hired using a mobile app, cost £1 to unlock, and a further 20p for every minute of use. Remember these facts when you’re debating between these two modes of public transport to get you where you’re going!
