New self-service ticket machines and Flexi Tickets introduced by Mersey Ferries at all terminals as part of £13m investment into public transport ticketing in Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
Mersey Ferries has introduced new self-service kiosks at all terminals as well as new Flexi Tickets for up to 10 crossings in advance.
Passengers can now buy tickets for ferry services, as well as combined tickets that include The Beatles Story museum and bus sightseeing tours from self-service kiosks in Seacombe and Pier Head Terminals.
The new Flexi Ticket, available for use during peak commuting times, allows passengers to buy six or 10 crossings in advance – with no time commitment for their use – along with regular monthly and quarterly options.
It improves on the standard single or return and makes the ferries the cheapest one-way option to cross the river during peak hours.
These machines are part of a wider £13m investment into public transport ticketing across Liverpool city region.
Plans include introduction of a new contactless tap-and-go system that will operate on Merseyrail trains in 2025 and will automatically give passengers the best price for their journey.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Portfolio Holder of Transport for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “The first phase of the new smart ticketing roll out at Mersey Ferries has gone exceptionally well with passengers quick to uptake and embrace the new service.
“It brings encouraging news for the next phase due to arrive on the trains later this year.”
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More than £7,500 worth of tickets have been purchased using the kiosks since their introduction at Seacombe and Pier Head Terminals.
Customer service officers will continue to be visible and available within the terminal buildings to support passengers who need additional information before booking, or who may have concessions. Tickets can also be booked online.