BUS users have given the thumbs-up to Merseytravel’s services.

The region’s transport authority, which is working on developing a £2 all-day fare for under 16s, received an overall satisfaction rate of 89 per cent which is one of the highest scores within all areas surveyed by Passenger Focus.

But Merseytravel chairman Liam Robinson promised: “We recognise there’s always room for improvement and we won’t rest on our laurels.

“Improving the bus offer is one of key priorities.

“We aim to recruit new people who already have the right attitude and customer service experience. We then provide them with the right skills to become bus drivers. The survey shows that satisfaction with the helpfulness and attitude of bus drivers has increased by six per cent to 72 per cent.

“Safety remains a key priority for us and it is pleasing to see that the number of passengers who have concerns about anti-social behaviour when using the buses has dropped to seven per cent.

“We already enjoy a low crime rate on buses, by working with partners such as Merseyside Police, British Transport Police and operators we are continually improving the way we report, detect and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

In 2013 the Merseytravel bid successfully for a £2.7 million slice of the Department of Transport’s Better Bus Fund to improve bus services in St Helens, Knowsley and Halton.