New bus route for Southport shoppers

Southport BID is working in partnership with Arriva to launch a new circular bus route in the town centre.

Hugh Evans, Southport BID, says: “Southport town centre is a relatively sizeable area with many of its key attractions set a little distance apart.  The idea of a circular bus route linking up these attractions has been discussed by politicians and various user groups with different ideas and proposals put forward over the years.

“We’ve now picked up the reins.  We sat down with Arriva last month to work out some potential routes and came up with one that we now want to trial.  It’ll operate over the summer weekends initially to test demand.  And then, if it works, we’ll sit down with Arriva and work out how to take it forward.

“The advantage of joining the town up and making it easier and cheaper to get around will help ensure that things happening in one part of town will be of benefit to others”.

Arriva Southport General Manager, Gerry O’Leary says:  This a wonderful opportunity to allow this great classic English seaside town to flourish, with each area now being accessible by bus.  We hope that with the discounted fare ‘Shuttle 1’ will become the transport of choice for local people and tourists alike, accessing Southport’s many attractions.

Following the seven week trial we can review its success and hopefully continue this or other projects with Southport BID in the future.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, added:
“This unique bus service will be a fantastic addition to the town – enabling everyone to have a greater opportunity to get to Southport’s attractions more easily.

“We want to make sure that as many people know about the route as possible and, as it’s offered at such an affordable price, it’s bound to be a hit with both residents and visitors alike.”

The route broadly takes in Lord Street, London Street, Central 12, Hoghton Street, Ocean Plaza and the beachfront.  Once the operating costs have been covered all revenue from ticket sales will be reinvested into funding additional town centre improvements.

The trial begins over the weekend of 5^th and 6^th August and runs through until mid-September.

The launch weekend will feature some extra special passengers.  Beauty and the Beast’s Belle and Gaston will be on board from 10.30am-1.30pm.

Find the route details here