Massive rise in children's bus fares condemned

The 40% increase in Arriva child bus fares has been unanimously condemned by Southport councillors.

Many Southport parents and children are appalled at the increase in child fares brought in by Arriva buses on the 1^st of April. The increase will particularly hit families with young children and add to the already heavy car traffic at 'school run' times.

Councillors on the Southport Area Committee unanimously backed a Liberal Democrat proposal that the Council should write to Arriva expressing opposition to the increase and calling for a re-think.

John Dodd welcomes cash for better bus facilities

Southport is to benefit from a share of Merseyside's success from Government funding with the award of £4 million from the Department for Transport’s Better Bus Area Fund Bid, announced by Lib Dem Norman Baker, Minister for Transport.

The funding will allow a package of measures designed to improved bus interchange facilities at Southport town centre with the provision of new bus stops and shelters to produce a 'transport hub'.

Cllr John Dodd member of Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority (Merseytravel) said "improved facilities are good news for the passengers of Southport".

Southport Hospital free bus service on Christmas Day

For the first time in many years there will be free bus service to Southport Hospital on Christmas Day.

John Dodd has welcomed Merseytravel's funding of free hospital bus services on Christmas Day, including the service to Southport Hospital.  This is good news for residents who are otherwise unable to get to the hospital to visit relatives or friends.

Cllr Dodd, who is the Liberal Democrat representative on Merseytravel, went on to say "Due to a successful marketing campaign, patronage was improved on the Christmas and New Year 2010/11 services. A subsequent campaign will be developed for 2011/2012 to further raise awareness of this service."