A popular bus service has been withdrawn due to "staff shortages" but will "return in full" later this year under a new operator.
Many people took to social media to express their concerns that the 188 service, which ran through Speke and Halewood, has been temporarily suspended. The service's withdrawal was put down to driver shortages, although it was confirmed the cancellation would only be temporary.
Many people took to social media to say they relied on the 188 as one elderly man told the ECHO it was his "easiest way of getting to and from Halewood" and is a "major bus route, especially for the elderly who rely so heavily on it".
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He added that without the service, getting to places from Halewood would be "near impossible or very expensive". Previous concerns have been publicised about Halewood lacking in public transport as residents feel stranded and forgotten.
Many concerns around the 188 service echoed this. Taking to local Facebook groups in Halewood, one person said: "Absolutely shocking around here why take a service off us we clearly need, Halewood is the forgotten town once again winds me up." Another added: "Bus and train service has always been terrible it's like a little forgotten town compared to the rest of the city".
Merseytravel confirmed the suspension will be a temporary measure and the service will return in full this year. A spokesperson said: "We have been informed that due to driver shortages Huyton Travel have withdrawn their 188 service with effect from this Monday, July 18.
"We recognise this service is important to bus users so in line with other bus network changes taking place on Sunday September 4, Merseytravel will step in and take over the 188 route with the contract being operated by Arriva on our behalf. Once under contract the route and timetable will return in full.
"The 166 service will continue to operate, and passengers will be able to travel through on this service from Belle Vale."
The current temporary 166 timetable is on the Merseytravel website here. Huyton Travel was approached for comment.
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