PRIVATE operators have confirmed that they will reduce the number of buses running across St Helens from next month.

In order to mitigate the withdrawal of funding from the Department of Transport and respond to reducing passenger numbers, the private operators have ploughed ahead with plans to cut routes despite backlash from residents and local politicians.

However, several services considered to be vital routes have been protected following public consultations, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority stepping in to provide funding support to save them.

This includes the 37 bus from St Helens to Eccleston which was due to be withdrawn.

The changes are planned to take effect from Sunday, September 4, with bus timetables altering across Merseyside with fewer services and merged routes.

St Helens Star: The changes will take place from Sunday, September 4The changes will take place from Sunday, September 4

Which bus routes will be impacted in St Helens:

  • 17 and 30 – The St Helens to Widnes bus will merge with the 30 service from Sutton Manor to Chain Lane to produce a combined route.

Evening journeys will be revised to reflect daytime provision, while the bus will maintain a 30-minute Mon-Sat daytime service. Service will operate in both directions around Sutton Manor.

  • 37 – The St Helens to Eccleston bus route will be maintained to operate every 60 minutes from Monday to Saturday daytime. It will also be extended to include Rainford. 
  • 38 – The St Helens to Rainford service will be reduced to every 60 minutes daily.

Kiln Lane and Rainford will also be served by the revised 37 service to give two buses per hour from Monday to Saturday daytime.

The Rainford Junction stop will be reduced to every 60 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytime. Evenings and Sunday will be unchanged.

  • 60 – St Helens to Hard Lane Circular, 8.30am from Hard Lane shops will not operate during school holidays.
  • 352 – St Helens to Wigan, Saturday reduced to every 30 minutes.