Starting from this Sunday the 1st of September 2024, passengers and employees travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport will benefit from significant enhancements to the 86A bus service. Operated by Arriva North West, this popular route, which links the airport with the city centre, will see its daytime frequency doubled, providing a huge boost to public transport connectivity across the region.
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| Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison) |
This increase, driven by the growing demand for both air travel and efficient public transport links, will offer passengers and employees alike a more reliable and attractive option for travelling to the airport. Arriva’s expansion of the 86A service is a major step forward in supporting Liverpool’s thriving airport and making public transport a key part of the city’s infrastructure.
From the beginning of September, the frequency of the 86A will jump from every 15 minutes to every 7-8 minutes during the daytime. This represents a significant increase, providing an additional 260 journeys per week. The first bus will now arrive at Liverpool John Lennon Airport as early as 05:04, ensuring passengers and employees can access the airport during the earliest hours of operation. The last bus will depart the airport at 23:36, ensuring a robust service well into the late evening, particularly beneficial for travellers arriving on later flights and night shift workers.
These changes demonstrate Arriva’s commitment to improving access to the airport, not only for passengers but also for the thousands of people employed at the airport and nearby areas like Speke Retail Park. The increased frequency is expected to make public transport a more attractive and reliable option, encouraging a shift away from private car use towards more sustainable travel modes.
Richard Hoare, Area Director for Arriva North West, summarised the importance of this initiative, stating:
"The importance of linking a major, growing airport with the people who live near and far is a core part of our business because it’s so important to our customers. That’s why we’re ready, willing and able to offer that doubling in frequency on route 86A to support the growth of the airport."
This sentiment highlights the key role that public transport providers like Arriva play in the ongoing expansion of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, one of the region’s most important transport hubs.
The 86A service operates between Liverpool city centre and the airport, serving key locations such as Wavertree, Penny Lane, Allerton and Speke Retail Park. These areas are important not just for residents, but also for employees and businesses who rely on efficient public transport links. With the increased frequency, passengers travelling to and from these areas will experience shorter waiting times and more flexibility in their travel arrangements, whether commuting to work or catching a flight.
Moreover, the route connects to Liverpool South Parkway, a major interchange for regional and national rail services. This connection will provide travellers from across the North West and beyond with faster, more frequent links to the airport, easing the transition between rail and air travel and supporting the airport’s growing importance as a gateway to the wider world.
The enhanced 86A service is part of a broader effort to improve public transport access to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Over the past 18 months, the airport has seen a surge in new airline operations and services, attracting a growing number of passengers. As more travellers choose to fly from Liverpool, the demand for seamless transport options has grown significantly.
Robin Tudor, Head of PR and Communications at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, emphasised the significance of these improvements:
"We work closely with our transport partners to look at ways to make public transport access for our passengers and our employees more attractive, and we are therefore delighted to see the increased frequency on the important 86A service."
This close collaboration between the airport and transport providers like Arriva has resulted in a more integrated transport network, making it easier for both passengers and staff to choose public transport over other modes of travel. The enhanced bus service will further solidify the airport’s position as a key driver of economic growth in the Liverpool City Region.
For the many employees working at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and surrounding areas, the improved frequency of the 86A service is a game-changer. With more frequent buses, employees will have greater flexibility in planning their commutes, reducing the risk of delays and missed connections. The new timetable is particularly beneficial for shift workers who rely on early morning or late-night transport options.
Additionally, the service improvements extend to Speke Retail Park, a major employment hub in the region. This area, home to a variety of retail businesses and logistics operations, will benefit from more frequent bus services, making it easier for employees to commute without the need for a car.
Arriva’s decision to double the frequency of the 86A service is a reflection of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the public transport network in Liverpool. The 86A is just one of several key routes connecting the airport with the wider city region. Other notable services include the 500 express service, which links the airport to Liverpool city centre in just 31 minutes. This rapid service is ideal for passengers seeking a quick and convenient journey to central Liverpool, with stops at major destinations like Liverpool One and Liverpool Lime Street railway station.
Arriva also operates services connecting the airport with surrounding towns such as Runcorn, Widnes, Bootle and St Helens, ensuring that residents from across the region have access to reliable bus links to the airport. These connections are vital for both passengers and businesses, enabling seamless travel across the Liverpool City Region.
The expansion of the 86A service is the result of close collaboration between Arriva and its transport partners, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. These partnerships are essential in delivering a cohesive and well-planned public transport network, which not only meets the needs of passengers but also supports the region’s economic growth.
Richard Hoare highlighted the importance of these partnerships, saying:
"The Liverpool City Region bus network is vast, and it continues to grow, and we’re happy to work with our other transport partners to make sure public transport is the best option for people."
As Liverpool’s bus network continues to evolve, especially with bus franchising being introduced in the not too distant future, such partnerships will remain crucial in ensuring that public transport keeps pace with the city’s development, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality across the region.
The doubling of the 86A service frequency is a significant improvement for public transport in Liverpool. By offering more frequent journeys and better connectivity to key areas like Wavertree, Penny Lane and Speke Retail Park, Arriva is playing a vital role in supporting Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s growth and ensuring that public transport remains a competitive and attractive option for both passengers and employees.
As Liverpool’s transport network continues to expand, the increased frequency of the 86A service sets a positive precedent for further improvements in the future. The collaboration between Arriva, the airport and other transport authorities is a testament to the importance of well-planned and integrated public transport systems in supporting regional growth and development. With these enhancements, both residents and visitors to the Liverpool City Region can look forward to faster, more reliable and more frequent travel options, cementing public transport as a key pillar of the region’s infrastructure.
For more information on the 86A service and other bus routes serving Liverpool John Lennon Airport, visit Arriva’s website or check timetables on the Merseytravel website.
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