Ripped off: exorbitant transport expenses for Liverpool students

A whopping £8.30 is splurged on transport each week, a new study reveals.

The survey, conducted by Natwest, revealed student transport in Liverpool is one of the most expensive in the country.

And with many living off-campus in Smithdown, there is no choice but to get the bus or cough up for a bike.

Although far lower than the highest ranking city for transport costs – unsurprisingly Londoners spend on average £15.10 a week –  Liverpool students are forking out much more than those in other cities.

In comparison Manchester spend just £7.00 a week, Leeds £6.00 and Cambridge spent just a measley £1.50 (which explains all the bikes).

Could this guy be the answer?

Cristina Criddle, a third-year student at the University of Liverpool, said: “When I was a fresher I had to pay 300-odd quid for a bus pass, which seems like a joke when other unis subsidise their fares such Cardiff and Bristol.

“Taxis are amazingly cheap, though. When my friends visited they couldn’t believe it. Most times it’s cheaper than the bus if there’s more than one of you”.

Student Kaltun Abdillahi  agrees: “I travel every day on the bus and in the first year I just paid as I was getting on the bus each time, which when added up turns out to be a lot of money and a rip off.

That’s why I’ve gone for the weekly ticket from the stagecoach bus since that’s only £13 for a week pass-which is probably the best and most money saving option.”

They could have at least made the thing a bit bigger…

However, not all students believe the prices are quite as extortionate as the study makes out.

“Personally I’m surprised it’s so expensive as I’d always thought it was fairly reasonable for buses and taxis. It might just be ‘cos I’m used to southern rates that Delta’s seem cheaper than walking,” says Politics third year Oscar Davies.

Some students avoid the steep bus fares by grabbing a bike instead.

Will more Liverpool students soon be sporting this look?

The new city bikes, similar to Boris bikes, have made this easier since their introduction in May earlier this year.

Final year English student Steph Brews: “A lot of people ride bikes because most students live on Smithdown road, which is about two miles away from the university campus.

The city bikes are quite new but will help students save money on bus travel.”