Unlimited Weekend Travel for Just £2: Liverpool City Region’s Special New Year Offer
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced an exciting New Year initiative, introducing a special weekend ticket offer that allows unlimited travel across the region for just £2 a day. This promotion aims to make public transport more affordable and accessible for residents and visitors during January weekends.
Details of the Offer
The special weekend offer kicks off on Saturday, January 4, and runs until Sunday, January 26. During this period, passengers can enjoy unlimited travel on all Merseyrail lines for just £2 per day. Children aged 5-15 can take advantage of this offer for just £1 per day. This initiative is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority using money recovered from train manufacturer Stadler, ensuring the reduced fare is accessible to everyone.
Why This Offer Matters
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, highlighted the importance of making public transport more affordable and accessible. He stated, “Making public transport more affordable and accessible is a key part of my mission to build a transport network for everyone. This £2 unlimited travel offer will help start off 2025 in the best way by helping people get around the Liverpool City Region without worrying about cost.”
He further emphasized that investments in new trains and infrastructure are aimed at improving daily life. “Investing in new trains and infrastructure is about making life better for people—whether that’s getting to work, visiting family, or just enjoying a day out. We’ve capped bus fares at £2, protected the country’s most generous concessionary travel scheme, and delivered the UK’s first publicly-owned train fleet in a generation,” Rotheram added.
Encouraging Exploration
Rotheram encouraged residents and visitors to make the most of this offer, saying, “I hope as many people as possible will take full advantage and use it to see the best our city region has to offer – from the coastline of Formby and New Brighton, to wonderful museums and cultural attractions in Liverpool city centre!” This initiative not only supports affordable travel but also promotes local tourism and cultural engagement.
Collaborative Efforts
The Combined Authority, in collaboration with Stadler, Merseyrail, and Network Rail, has been working tirelessly to enhance the availability and performance of the new trains during their rollout. This special offer is part of a broader strategy by Mayor Rotheram to reduce public transport costs and improve services across the region.
Ongoing Transport Initiatives
This £2 weekend travel offer is just one of several measures implemented by the Liverpool City Region to make public transport more affordable. Other initiatives include freezing ticket prices on Merseyrail, capping bus fares at £2, offering unlimited daily bus travel for young people for just £2.20, and maintaining the country’s most generous concessionary travel scheme. This scheme allows local residents to access travel passes seven years ahead of the national scheme, significantly easing travel costs for the community.
Positive Impact on the Community
These initiatives reflect Mayor Rotheram’s commitment to building a transport network that benefits everyone. By reducing travel costs, the Liverpool City Region aims to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage the use of public transport, contributing to a more sustainable and accessible transport system.
Conclusion
The special New Year ticket offer is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the Liverpool City Region without the burden of high travel costs. Whether for daily commutes, family visits, or leisure activities, this £2 unlimited travel offer ensures that public transport remains a convenient and affordable option for all. As the initiative runs through January, passengers are encouraged to take full advantage and experience the rich cultural and natural attractions the region has to offer.