Passengers go ‘On the Buses’ as 15% of LJLA travellers now use public transport

Results from the Civil Aviation Authority’s latest detailed passenger survey conducted throughout 2007 shows that 15% of all Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s passengers chose to use public transport to travel to or from the Airport in 2007. This is over 4% higher than figures from a previous survey undertaken in 2005 and beats the target of 12% set independently by an Airport Transport Forum, which was not due to be reached until the end of 2008.

These latest figures mean that the number of passengers using public transport at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has increased by 75% since 2005. Further commitment from bus operator Arriva, with increased services to the Airport from across the region, and by Merseytravel through the opening of Liverpool South Parkway, with bus priority measures to speed the link to the Airport, have contributed to the success. Coach operator Terravision have also helped to increase public transport usage having commenced a regional service to Manchester that compliments Arriva’s 700 Manchester service.

LJLA is committed to minimising the environmental impact of aviation and is tackling the issue of climate change in a number of ways including pioneering carbon offsetting schemes and the use of on site wind turbines. Increased public transport use by passengers and staff also forms an important part of this environmental commitment, as set out in LJLA’s Surface Access Strategy that the Airport has been working to for some years now.

Robin Tudor, the Airport’s General Manager Corporate and Community Affairs commented, “The recent improvements in services and public transport facilities both on and off site are making a real difference and helping to deliver on the objective of seeing more airport passengers choose to use public transport. These latest figures mean Liverpool has one of the best records when compared to many other similar sized UK airports.
The Local Transport Plan recognises the importance of improved access to the Airport and working in partnership with Merseytravel, we hope to see continued improvements to encourage more airport passengers choose to use public transport in the future.”

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: “These are strong figures and show how valuable public transport links are to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. More passengers, from Liverpool and across the region, are seeing public transport as the best way to travel. We have been working very closely with the airport to make Liverpool South Parkway a success and it is working; the interchange is exceeding every target we set.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel, said: “Liverpool South Parkway has helped us link more people to the airport than ever before, so we are delighted with that. We intend to build on this success story.

“It is helping to improve access to the unique attractions of Liverpool and Merseyside, as well as linking millions of people to international travel.”

Phil Stone, managing director of Arriva North West and Wales, said: “First-class transport links are vital to the success of any major airport and Liverpool is no exception. Our continuing support for one of Europe’s fastest growing airports means that we now provide over 95% of bus services, reaching out to large parts of Merseyside and the North West of England.

“In partnership with the airport, we will continue to grow our network to match its needs, as well as providing the best possible staff to support them.”