Merseytravel are about to bring to Liverpool a fleet of the latest low-emission vehicles which is great news for those campaigning for an improvement in air quality in the city.

Arriva North West, the Merseyside operator, has ordered 12 of the BYD ADL Enviro200 EV model 12m buses for service on the City Centre Circular Routes 26 and 27. 

These routes are not circular within the city centre but head out to destinations at Kirkdale, Anfield, Kensington, Edge Hill, and Toxteth. The outbound route 26 heads out along James Street, Victoria Street and under the Churchill Way Flyover to Hunter Street.

While this is really good news and excellent progress we still have the problem that there is no city centre circular bus route which is a major problem for residents and visitors alike.

Just take a look at what Manchester does:

Metroshuttle

Manchester City Council Free Bus Service

Map of the three city centre bus routes

As residents Engage asks the questions how come Manchester understands city centre urban connectivity and we don’t? Three bus routes running continuously and free to everyone shows just how they think about the importance of connecting transport nodes, car parks, business and commercial areas together.