Bus operator Arriva is investing £7.4m to add 34 new ‘low emission’ vehicles to its Liverpool city region fleet. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region’s biggest bus operator Arriva is investing £7.4m in 34 new ‘low emission’ buses to add to its local fleet.

In operation from January 23, the new Euro 6 vehicles will all feature audio visual stop announcement, free WiFi and USB charging ports. They will comprise 24 double-deckers and 10 single-deckers.

The double-deckers will be in operation on the 10B route between Huyton and Liverpool city centre and on the 14 service between Croxteth and the city centre. The single-deckers will run on the 46 route in Southport between Hillside and High Park and route 49 between Crossens and Woodvale.

Richard Hoare, Arriva North West and Wales commercial director, said  “We are delighted to be able to commit such a strong level of investment into the Merseyside bus network.

“We recognise public transport as one of the key ways to help protect our environment for the future and save our planet. That is why we are proud to be introducing 34 Ultra low emission vehicles into our fleet.”

In September last year, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said he anted to reform the Merseyside bus network to offer cheaper fares, more reliable and frequent services, bus lanes and fewer carbon emissions.

He is looking to get a slice of a £3bn funding pot allocated as part of the Government’s National Bus Strategy. He says his Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) provides a blueprint for the future of bus travel in the city region.

Improving bus services is a key part of Mr Rotheram’s ambition for a London style transport system. In the region, 82% of public transport journeys are taken by bus. Under Mayor Rotheram’s plans, getting around the region will be “quick, cheap and reliable”.