It is unfortunate we once again find ourselves having to fight to save the X1 Runcorn to Liverpool bus service.

MP Travel has announced the last express bus will run on Saturday, September 25, due to a combination of funding issues and driver shortages. My team has invited the company owners to contact my office with the details. 

But I am now calling on the operator and key stakeholders to get around the table and sort this out as a matter of urgency.

We cannot lose this vital route serving some of the most deprived areas of my constituency that depend on public transport not only for leisure but to get to work and college.

Halton Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and other key stakeholders need to sit down with the operator to find a way forward. 

I understand the company is waiting to hear about a DfT support grant aimed at bus companies impacted by the pandemic due to reduced customer numbers. This needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible and I will play my part in helping that to happen.

The Government also needs to address the driver shortage that is now hitting bus companies as well as hauliers.  

But the situation we find ourselves in, yet again, is the outcome of leaving the market to run public transport. Bus services should be run as not-for-profit operations that take into account the needs of communities rather than shareholders.

Please sign my petition to ensure the key stakeholders get around the table and ensure this crucial service is reinstated with immediate effect.