Merseytravel has become an official partner of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture 2008, in a deal which will promote the city’s worldwide showcase to millions of visitors.

On 6 February 2007 Merseytravel became the official transport partner for the city’s celebrations for its 800th anniversary in 2007, as well as the 2008 programme, and marked with a launch event at Liverpool South Parkway, involving a classical music quartet called ‘Cameo Strings’.

As part of its commitment with the Liverpool Culture Company, Merseytravel will provide extra public transport services to move visitors around some of the key events taking place across Merseyside.

Much of the sponsorship will include services and “in kind” promotion on the world famous Mersey Ferries, the Merseyrail network, where four trains will be emblazoned in the ‘08 livery, Merseytravel’s major bus stations and travel centres and the two Mersey Tunnels.

Merseytravel will also invest in more public art works, topiaries and buskers at key gateways to the city, as well as giant promotional banners at Lime Street Station and a programme of its own events to support the wider ’08 programme, including special ferry cruises, tunnel tours and walkthroughs.

Among highlights announced last November, Liverpool’s ‘08 celebrations will begin with a major free public art and street performance programme.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: “Ensuring people can get to and from the events will be vital if we are to help make Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture celebrations a true success story. “We’ve got such a diverse transport network and we will use it to its fullest to show our support for Capital of Culture. This deal will help promote ‘08 to the people of Merseyside and beyond. We want people to know what we already know – that Liverpool is one of the world’s great cities and can host a fantastic party.”

The announcement comes as Merseytravel embarks on its own ambitious plans to boost public transport services across the region in advance of 2008.

Work is currently underway at Lime Street Station and plans are in the pipeline for a new Pier Head Ferry Terminal and improvements to Sandhills, Bootle Oriel Road, James Street and St Helens Central Stations. The recently opened Liverpool South Parkway, one of Merseytravel’s biggest construction projects, improves links for air passengers to Merseyside’s public transport network.

Neil Scales, Merseytravel’s Chief Executive and Director General, said: “Last year we saw around 200 million passenger journeys on all forms of public transport in Merseyside. In 2007 and 2008 we expect that will be even higher.
“Transport will play a vital part in the celebrations, which give us a huge opportunity to showcase all that is good about Liverpool on a global stage. This deal will enable us to build on the ambitious projects we already have underway and those we are hoping to achieve in time for the celebrations.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Good transport links and making a good first impression will be critical to our success in 2008 with millions of extra visitors experiencing the city for the first time. I'm delighted that Merseytravel are on board with an exciting package of illuminating activities to help us deliver that. There is so much at stake to the future economy and image of the city that I’m delighted Merseytravel are also going that extra mile, in supporting the 08 arts programme and devising their own events, to put a smile on the city and those who travel in it.''

Merseytravel is the ninth official partner to sign up with the Liverpool Culture Company, putting it ahead of schedule of signing 12 partners by 2008.

Jason Harborow, Chief Executive of Liverpool Culture Company, said: ''This Merseytravel deal is fantastic news for 2008, passengers and the Merseyside public. As well as playing a key transport role at major events, their network will enable us to take the 08 experience to a huge audience across the region in many imaginative and eye-catching ways.''