New routes as buses taken under public control

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The move, which is hoped to improve hospital transport links, will come into effect on 25 October. It forms the second phase of a roll out which sees the bus network in the region return to public ownership, after last month's launch in St Helen's.

The 453 service will connect Irby and Heswall to the Clatterbridge Hospital, while the 483/484 circular services will link Arrowe Park Hospital with West Kirby, Meols, Hoylake, Moreton and Upton.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotherham, said public ownership was "about building a network that works for passengers".

Last month, the first buses under public control hit the road in St Helen's, which included the launch of an express service to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Under the new system, the Liverpool City Region's Combined Authority will be responsible for routes, fares, timetables and service standards.

The local authority confirmed Wirral's bus network would also introduce increased evening and weekend services on key routes and improve links to Merseyrail stations.

The new routes would "make it quicker and easier for thousands more people to get to work, attend hospital appointments, or visit family and friends," Rotherham added.

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