All aboard! Bus companies announce new 24-hour services on Liverpool’s busiest routes

Two of Liverpool’s main bus firms have announced plans to introduce a 24-hour service, offering improved links between major landmarks such as Liverpool ONE (L1), John Lennon Airport (LJLA) and Penny Lane.

From Sunday (September 4), both Arriva and Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire will provide round-the-clock services all week along two of the city’s busiest routes.

The extended offer will come into effect on the 86 and 86A routes running from Liverpool One and along Smithdown Road to Penny Lane and LJLA.

Stagecoach’s 86 service will run from Liverpool One to Penny Lane, while Arriva’s 86A will extend to Liverpool South Parkway and the airport.

Buses will leave L1 every 30 minutes from 12.29am until 4.59am, with the Arriva 86A departing at 29 past each hour and the Stagecoach 86 leaving at 59 minutes past, before the full daytime timetable kicks in after 5am.

The expansion of services outside core hours is the product of the Bus Alliance, a collaboration between transport operators Arriva, Stagecoach and Merseytravel.

The operations director at Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, Rob Jones, said: “We’re really pleased to be launching this new service, which will give people much more flexibility when choosing how they travel when they’ve got somewhere to be late at night or first thing in the morning.

“The 86 is one of our busiest routes and this extended service will no doubt be particularly welcome for commuters, students and people enjoying Liverpool’s great night life.”

He added: “We look forward to launching the new service and giving people a comfortable, affordable and quick transport option that’s available all day and all night!”

Arriva Merseyside MD Howard Farrall said: “Arriva is delighted to be expanding and enhancing Liverpool’s bus transport network.

“The 86A is a key route for commuters and students, but we’re also expecting this route to be a real life-line for people looking to catch early flights or those who work at John Lennon Airport.”

He continued: “Connecting our city and improving networks to ensure that people get a world-class welcome when they arrive and when they leave this amazing city is key, so it’s great to be improving access both for city residents and those visiting from further afield and offering a brilliant 24/7 service!”

Commenting on the changes, the chair of the Merseytravel Committee, Cllr Liam Robinson, said there was a demand for public transport services outside core hours due to shifting employment patterns and a growing night-time economy.

He explained: “As part of the Bus Alliance we’ve worked with Arriva and Stagecoach operators to extend services on some of the busiest routes. If they are successful we would encourage operators to potentially trial extended hours on other routes.”