Mersey Ferries introduces new self-service machines and Flexi Tickets as part of Mayor's plans to make public transport cheaper and simpler to use

MERSEY Ferries has introduced new self-service kiosks at all terminals and Flexi Tickets as part of Mayor Steve Rotheram's plans to make the City Region's public transport cheaper and simpler to use. Tis compliments the staffed ticket service at all terminals.

Passengers can now buy tickets for Ferry services, as well as combined tickets that include:- The Beatles Story museum and bus sightseeing tours from self-service kiosks in Seacombe and Pier Head Terminals.

Mersey Ferries has also introduced a new Flexi Ticket, available for use during peak commuting times, allowing passengers to buy 6 or 10 crossings in advance; with no time commitment for their use; along with regular monthly and quarterly options. The Flexi Ticket improves on the standard single or return and makes the ferries the cheapest one-way option to cross the river during peak hours.

The machines are part of a wider £13m investment into revolutionising public transport ticketing across the Liverpool City Region, reinforcing the Mayor's commitment to provide a London-style transport system making journeys smoother, quicker and more affordable. The plans include introduction of a new contactless tap-and-go system that will operate on trains in 2025 and will automatically give passengers the best price for their journey.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Portfolio Holder of Transport for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:- "The 1st phase of the new smart ticketing roll out at Mersey Ferries has gone exceptionally well with passengers quick to uptake and embrace the new service. It brings encouraging news for next phase due to arrive on the trains later this year. With improved services across the network and simpler, clearer ticket pricing that ensures people always pay the lowest fare possible, moving around the City Region has never been simpler on public transport, making it the preferred option for many."

More than £7,500 worth of tickets have been purchased using the kiosks since their introduction at Seacombe and Pier Head Terminals.

Mersey Ferries self service ticket kiosks have been installed to create an alternative option for customers who know which tickets they would like to buy. Customer Service Officers will continue to be visible and available within the terminal buildings to support passengers who need additional information before booking, or who may have concessions. Tickets can also be booked online.

For more information on the ways to travel with Mersey Ferries, please visit:- MerseyFerries.Co.UK.

Liverpool Philharmonic announce Robert Guy as Principal Conductor of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers valuable orchestral and performance experience to young musicians. Members of the Youth Orchestra will have the opportunity to perform alongside world-class soloists and conductors at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, including a concert playing alongside members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert in November 2024, and participate in inspiring workshops to support their musical development. Applications for the 2024/25 academic year can be submitted here and close on:- Friday, 24 May 2024.

Welsh conductor Robert Guy is passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone; utilising the art's unique potential to communicate, connect and empower these young talents. He has worked regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in his early professional career as a viola player. Robert is an experienced conductor of youth orchestras and until recently has been the Director of Ensembles at the University of Manchester and leads their highly acclaimed Conducting Programme.

Of his appointment, Robert said:- "It is a great honour to have been appointed Principal Conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I was invited to work with the orchestra earlier this year, when I prepared them for a special reunion concert conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and later my own concert at the Philharmonic Hall. I hope this can act as a springboard working towards the orchestra's 75th Birthday in 2026. The orchestra has a special history and I am proud to be a part of it, working alongside a great team. I am passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone and I would encourage all young people in Liverpool and the North West to sign up for an audition and be part of something very special for young people in the heart of Liverpool."

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic said:- "We are delighted that Robert will be joining Liverpool Philharmonic. His passion for music and many years' experience as a conductor and musician will bring a fresh energy to our Youth Orchestra and help to inspire these incredibly talented young musicians. The City's young people are a central focus of our work. We provide regular musical training to 2,000 young people through Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and In Harmony and are delighted to welcome the next generation of talented musicians into our Youth Company this year."

Robert is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of NEW Sinfonia; a multi-faceted arts organisation which boasts a professional chamber orchestra, a community vocal ensemble 'NEW Voices', and an education programme:- 'NEW Academi,' all based in North Wales. In May, Robert was invited to conduct the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra and Peter Donohoe at the Chopin Piano Festival held in Pristina, and in December 2022, he made his debut with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. He regularly guest-conducts for Manchester Camerata and is the recipient of the inaugural Hilary Tann Award for outstanding achievement in music in Wales 2023, awarded by the Welsh Music Guild.

Young musicians can find out more about Youth Company and how to apply website.