The Liverpool City Region is gearing up for a major transport shake-up, and here’s a key stop along the way: an eagerly awaited express bus service is making its comeback on 16th December, albeit on a trial basis. Say goodbye to those winding old routes—this one’s set to whisk you from Runcorn to Liverpool in just 50 minutes. Since the X1 route was scrapped in 2022, commuters have been calling for its return, and Mayor Steve Rotheram has delivered.
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| Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison) |
At just £2, the fare aligns with the capped rate introduced in September 2022, a move aimed at making bus travel more accessible amid rising living costs. Originally set to end in 2024, the cap’s extension to September 2025 is a testament to Rotheram’s commitment to affordable travel.
It’s not just about keeping costs low; it’s about transforming the perception of public transport, encouraging more people to leave their cars behind and opt for greener, cheaper alternatives. And Rotheram’s not stopping here. With franchising now under public control, the aim is clear: seamless, reliable, and wallet-friendly travel across Merseyside and Halton. From charging ahead with electric buses to buoyant new Mersey Ferry investments, this is the start of radical change.
But why was this route so pivotal? Back when the X1 was axed, commuters were left with journeys that dragged on for over an hour and a half. Not exactly ideal for those with work, school, or, dare I say, life to get on with. This reinstatement isn’t just about saving time; it’s about stitching together communities in a region that’s felt disconnected for too long.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:“This is more great news for Halton on top of the tens of millions of pounds we have been able to invest to bring about jobs and prosperity for the area.“I know people have been calling for the return of an express bus between Runcorn and Liverpool to make travelling quicker, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to step in and find a solution.
“For too long people have had to contend with a bus service run in the interests of shareholders rather than passengers.
“That’s why last year I took the decision to bring buses back into public control for the first time in almost 40 years. A franchised system will give us the power to set routes, fares and timetables.
“The X4 service will be fast and affordable, an example of the kind of new express bus connections I want to see linking communities across our city region.
“This is another positive step on the journey to putting the public back into public transport.”
Mayor Rotheram’s ambitions go well beyond buses. His vision of a “Merseyrail for All” is already taking shape with new stations and a fleet of electric double-deckers joining the ranks. The X4 trial is just another piece of the puzzle, aiming to prove that express services can be both fast and sustainable.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:“Since the withdrawal of the express service between Runcorn and Liverpool in 2022, our residents have continually requested that the service be reinstated to reduce travel time.
“Halton has worked closely with the Combined Authority and so it is really good news that an express service is to be reinstated and will also include an additional stop at Widnes Green Oaks.”
The X4 will have stops in Widnes, Speke and Aigburth, offering a lifeline to those who’ve had to rely on less efficient alternatives. If the service proves popular, we could see even more express routes springing up—cutting down on emissions and cutting down on wait times.
Will it stick? That’s the million-pound question. With public backing and a commitment to improving connections, it’s looking hopeful. If successful, the X4 could pave the way for more high-speed bus services, ensuring no corner of the city region is left out. Stay tuned, because Liverpool City Region’s transport future is speeding up—and you’ll want to be on board.
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