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Councillor calls for fold-down seats on Wirral's new Metro buses

Passengers with walking frames and prams have nowhere to sit on the new single-deckers, says an Oxton councillor.

Mr Brame, a Lib Dem councillor has called out the new buses for not having fold down seats. Photo: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

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A Wirral councillor wants fold-down seats fitted to the new Metro buses, saying some less mobile passengers are having to stand.

The yellow and grey buses arrived on Wirral's roads when the borough's network came under public control on Sunday, 25 October.

Liberal Democrat councillor Allan Brame, who represents Oxton, praised the fleet's "excellent features" but said there was a problem for people who use walking frames.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "On the single decker buses, the only place to put them is in the space reserved for wheelchairs, but unlike the old buses, the new ones are not fitted with fold-down seats, so these passengers are obliged to stand throughout the journey."

He said a resident had told him it was "a big loss" for less mobile passengers who need the space but don't use a wheelchair, and that there was nowhere for parents with prams to sit either.

Cllr Brame says he has asked the Liverpool City Region's bus team whether fold-down seats could be added to the single-deckers.

Speaking to us, Mr Brame added: "Lib Dems are supportive of the new system, despite teething troubles. But there is a significant design flaw with the new buses.

Who decided not to consider the needs of a large group of passengers? The Metro Mayor is quick to claim credit when things go right, but will he take the blame when basic mistakes are made?"

A Combined Authority spokesperson said the buses were "some of the most advanced and accessible in the country, with additional space for people using wheelchairs and prams".

The spokesperson added: "We always take on board the views, comments and suggestions of our passengers and are currently looking for even more ways to improve accessibility across our transport network, including on our buses."

The new buses have USB charging, upgraded seats and audio and visual stop announcements.

Fares and timetables are now set by the Combined Authority. You can read about the route changes passengers need to know in our guide.

Have you used the new buses? Let us know how you've found them.

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