Our Achievements

Beacon Status: 18 July 2008; Merseytravel is only the second Passenger Transport Authority in UK history to have secured `Beacon` status.

The coveted `Beacon` title was awarded for the pioneering work Merseytravel is driving, alongside the five Merseyside local authorities and Halton Borough Council to help hundreds of Merseyside residents access jobs, training, education and health facilities.

The national Beacon awards, led by the Government`s Department for Communities and Local Government in partnership with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), recognise excellence and innovation in local government across ten themes, all of which are key to improving quality of life for local communities.

At this year`s Beacon award gala, at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London, Merseytravel and the Merseyside local authority partners received one of only four special commendations given nationally. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were one of the other three award winners.

Some of the unique projects that helped Merseytravel secure the Beacon award include:

WorkWise - which supports residents in priority areas of high unemployment, low spending power and poor health and environmental conditions. Funded through European Objective One Measure 29b, its schemes such as Scooter Commuter and WorkWise Wheels have enabled people to get to work or training, which they may not otherwise have been able to reach.
Scooter Commuter includes the loan of a 50cc scooter to travel to work, training etc
WorkWise Wheels includes the use of a pedal cycle to travel to work, training etc
The Dial-a-Link service - is a pre-booked bus service available when there is no alternative public transport
Travel Training initiatives - helping to promote independent travel by vulnerable young people and adults through working with groups such as the Liverpool Voluntary Services for the Blind and MENCAP.
Neighbourhood Travel Teams - in each of the districts of Merseyside using one-to-one contact with residents, travel surgeries, personalised journey planning etc
Travel Plans - an important tool in improving access and we are working well with a number of agencies, including PCTS, NHS Hospital trusts, Councils and schools; Back to Our Achievements