TRANSPORT chiefs say they are working hard to minimise disruption to local bus networks as a nationwide shortage of drivers takes its toll.

The X1 express Runcorn to Liverpool bus won an 11th hour reprieve last week after its operator MP Travel announced plans to shelve the service, citing antisocial behaviour on the route, driver shortages and a lack of funding. Saturday had been pencilled in as the last time it would run.

But an online campaign by East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury attracted over a thousand signatures urging the company to change its mind, with Halton Borough Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (CA) entering into talks with the company. The service has now been reinstated, albeit on a reduced timetable.

Cllr Stef Nelson, Halton Council’s portfolio holder for Transportation, said: “We could not let this popular service end - it’s the only express service between Halton and Liverpool.

“So, by working in partnership, the council, the combined authority and the bus company came up with a solution to keep it going."

But a CA spokesperson warned driver shortages could continue to have an impact on local services and that it would be closely monitoring the situation.

They said: “Bus driver shortages are having an impact on bus services nationally and we’re working hard with operators to minimise this impact on services within the city region.

"We know that changes to bus services can have huge impacts on peoples’ lives, which is why communities should always be consulted when changes are planned.

“We’ll be monitoring the services over the coming weeks and regular users of the X1 should familiarise themselves with the new timetable and plan their journeys."

The X1 was not the first local bus to be hit by driver shortages, with the 62 and 62A service linking Runcorn, Widnes and Warrington having recently also suffered reductions due to a lack of drivers.