Liverpool City Region bus users can benefit from an improved Walrus Card and the launch of a brand new ticket.
As a result of the Bus Alliance, three major operators serving Merseyside and surrounding areas have introduced the new and improved ticketing system.
The Walrus Card will enable the user to buy and renew Arriva’s Merseyside Adult and Young Person’s Weekly Saver tickets and Stagecoach’s Adult and Young Person’s seven day Merseyside Megarider plus+ tickets. There will be no change to pricing or validity.
The Walrus Card is reusable and can be topped up on the bus. Passengers are advised to keep their Walrus safe, as an activation charge will be implemented in the near future.
Merseytravel has also launched a new adult One Day Solo bus ticket. This ticket gives customers the freedom to travel on any bus, any time with just one ticket for £4.70. It is valid through peak times.
Smartcard and multi-operator ticketing are the key focus of the Bus Alliance a formal agreement between Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach (who together operate 90% of commercial bus services in the Liverpool City Region) with the aim of getting more people travelling by bus and driving up investment for all who use them.
Cllr Liam Robinson Chairman of the Merseytravel Committee, commented: “The Bus Alliance is transforming the approach to tickets and ticket buying to make the process more convenient and efficient for customers by making the most of technology and offering new products.
“The new Adult One Day Solo is an example of how we are improving the customer offer to help make bus a mode of choice rather than last resort.”
Howard Farrall, Managing Director Arriva Merseyside said: “The new one day multi-operator Solo ticket is a great step forward for the Bus Alliance, giving increased flexibility to the travelling public in Merseyside. By adding the Arriva Weekly Saver Ticket range to the already successful Walrus card, customers will have even more flexibility when choosing their best ticket option.”
