ONE of Labour's city region metro mayor hopefuls Luciana Berger visited St Helens bus station to pledge an overhaul of the transport system as part of her campaign.

The Liverpool Wavertree MP, who is up against Joe Anderson and MP Steve Rotheram for the candidacy, promised that, if successful, she will introduce not-for-profit buses and a part-time season ticket offer for residents across the region including St Helens.

She said she believes not-for-profit services can result in "greater integration" across the region including more buses at off-peak times and at night.

Also bus contracts will be awarded to those that enable full disabled access, including physical access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and audio-visual support to aid all passengers with Ms Berger stating she aims to tackle"massive issued around levels of isolation".

Speaking at the bus station, she said: “I want a bus service that works for all parts of the Region, that puts passengers first, not one just interested in making profits for big bus companies."

She added that figures show 200,000 people across the region work part-time, the majority women.

“Part-time workers are at a real disadvantage when it comes to getting to work on public transport. If elected Metro Mayor my transport plan will put an end to this and ensure that they can benefit from the savings the full-time workers receive.

“I will insist that new licences for bus services are granted to not-for-profit organisations, including co-operatives and mutuals, so that passengers will have a direct say in how our bus services are run," added Ms Berger.

She said 85 per cent of bus services are run by private companies, including Arriva and Stagecoach and the Bus Services Bill currently going through Parliament will enable this to change.

“The introduction of bus co-operatives will be the first step to ensuring that people have the bus services they need, when and where they need them at an affordable cost right across the Region."

The concept of the Liverpool city region mayor has been the subject of much controversy in St Helens and Ms Berger also echoed her promise that under her leadership no part of the city region will be left behind.

"I am very clear I want everyone's voice to be heard and the benefits we make need to be spread equally across the city region otherwise it is not going to work."