MERSEYTRAVEL has launched a SMART bus service in St Helens, promising a boost in quality, technology and comfort for travellers.

Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson, performed the official launch at Haydock Park Racecourse and the new £2 million service, which has the full backing of bus operators, Arriva North West and MTL North, and St Helens Council, will link St Helens to Ashton, Greater Manchester and Wigan.

The package includes more than 50 SMART bus stops, most of which are fully-lit and designed for passenger comfort and security. There are also 10 new, fully-accessible SMART buses featuring 21 information panels electronically linked to the buses and nine more information panels in shelters throughout Greater Manchester.

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