Merseytravel

Merseytravel is the public transport coordination body for Merseyside, England. It is responsible for planning and providing public transport services across the region, including buses, ferries, and railways. Merseytravel is a statutory body established by the Merseyside Passenger Transport Act 1969 and is part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The organization's primary role is to ensure that public transport in Merseyside is accessible, affordable, and sustainable. This involves a wide range of activities, from setting service levels and fares for bus routes to managing and investing in the Merseyrail network and the iconic Mersey Ferries. Merseytravel also works to improve infrastructure, such as bus stations and park-and-ride facilities, and to promote the use of public transport through marketing and information campaigns.

Key services managed or overseen by Merseytravel include the Merseyrail network, a suburban rail system serving Liverpool and surrounding areas, and the Mersey Ferries, which provide passenger transport and leisure cruises across the River Mersey. The organization also sets standards for and influences the operation of bus services across the region, working with private bus operators. They manage ticketing and information systems, including the integrated "Walrus" smartcard system, which can be used across various public transport modes. Merseytravel is funded through a combination of central government grants, local authority contributions, and fare revenue. Its strategic decisions aim to support economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability within the Liverpool City Region.