TRANSPORT firms Stagecoach and Arriva have cut the price of a single bus journey ticket to match the 'flat fare' structure which operates in Liverpool.

Under a bus alliance agreement aiming to streamline fares across the Liverpool City Region, Stagecoach has cut the cost of its adult single journeys in St Helens to £2 - £1 for under 19s - saving customers up to 90p per trip.

Arriva's single adult tickets will cost £2.20 - £1.10 for young people - which they say will save between 30p and 80p per trip.

The fare changes came into effect this month.

Phil Stone, managing director for Arriva North West and Wales, said: "Arriva is proud to be playing a key part in the LCR Alliance and I'm pleased that Arriva was quickly able to deliver the extended flat fare as a tangible first step in delivering the Alliance's aims.

"The region depends heavily on an effective bus network offering great value for money and this extension will surely bring more commuters and leisure users onto the bus network to help create faster, cleaner journeys for everyone."

A spokesperson for Arriva said further benefits for passengers as a result of Arriva's fare changes include the St Helens area now being included in the Liverpool Plus ticket area for daily tickets, giving a wider area for travel.

Elisabeth Tasker, managing director of Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: "We recognise the importance of providing a reliable and affordable bus service option for customers and we're delighted to be increasing savings even further for passengers in St Helens."