N1 NIGHTBUST: MERSEYSIDE’S MOONLIGHT MELODY MOVER

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new late-night hero prowling the streets between Liverpool and Birkenhead after midnight. Meet the N1 Night Bus, lovingly depicted as an owl by its operator Stagecoach. This feathered friend is here to whisk you away on Merseyside’s latest nocturnal journey.

Designed to tackle the challenges of late-night travel, the N1 offers a sustainable and dependable alternative, supporting the vibrant nightlife and economic activities of our musical city. So, whether you’re out for a late-night gig, catching up with friends, or simply exploring the city’s nocturnal charm, the N1 has got your back.

Operating between Birkenhead and Liverpool on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, from just before half past midnight until 5 am, the N1 Night Bus is your affordable ticket to adventure, priced at a mere £2. That’s less than the cost of a pint and a whole lot more memorable!

Picture this: it’s Saturday night at Future Yard, and you’re completely lost in the smooth sounds of a live jazz performance. As you glance around, you realise something incredible—you’re not anxiously checking train times or worrying about the price of an Uber through the Queensway tunnel. The N1 Night Bus has set you free from the shackles of late-night transportation stress.

For the first time, you can fully immerse yourself in the music, enjoying every note without the nagging worry of how you’ll get home. In fact, you’re already planning your next visit to Future Yard as you gaze upon the pink event listings board above the bar. 

The story behind the N1 Night Bus is just as fascinating as its service. Spearheaded by Dr. Mathew Flynn, Senior Head of Music Undergraduate Studies & Lecturer in the Music Industry at the University of Liverpool, and a key member of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, this initiative was born out of a collective desire to support struggling music venues and promoters post-pandemic.

The Music Board held an event in March 2022 to gather feedback from local venues and promoters; as they mapped the live sector, they wanted to understand the landscape post-pandemic. The answers revealed various challenges, including energy, supply chain, lack of staff, and the emerging cost of living. But among these challenges, the need for the return of the night bus was clear.

Previously, the N86 ran 24/7, but it was not reintroduced due to decreased bus use post-pandemic. Meanwhile, Future Yard was leading the calls from the Wirral side, engaging with the Liverpool Combined Authority, emphasising the need for the night bus to return. Dr. Flynn described how this approach, alongside contributions from the Liverpool Music Board, Future Yard, Nightlife CIC, and the Civic Data Cooperative (CDC), was beneficial in addressing public infrastructure issues.

A steering committee was formed, a business case was built, and after substantial efforts, a survey campaign was conducted in 2023, drawing support from different sectors across Merseyside such as the Student Guild, John Lennon Airport, and the Knowledge Quarter, presenting a unified case to local authorities.

What began as a concern within the music economy soon evolved into a pivotal intervention in culture and society, resonating far beyond the music sector. This issue struck a chord with the general public and institutions across Merseyside. Survey results flooded in, phones rang off the hook, and letters of support piled up, all culminating in a presentation to Steve Rotheram by the Culture Lead for the Combined Authority. 

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Merseytravel had entered into discussions with Stagecoach. Then, suddenly, after 18 months of tireless effort, the Metro Mayor gave the green light to the night bus pilot. Within a matter of weeks, the N1 trial service kicked off and a timetable officially launched with the services starting on 8th December.

You can check out the full timetable here.

Yet, like any great adventure, the journey of the N1 Night Bus is just beginning. Keep an eye out for the upcoming campaign efforts to spread the word and encourage more late-night travellers to hop aboard.

So, the next time you find yourself lost in the magic of a late-night gig or exploring the vibrant streets of Liverpool, why not be part of the change? Take the N1 Night Bus and experience the convenience and safety it offers firsthand.

And don’t forget to share your feedback with us for a chance to win £50!

Words by Iona Fazer