Public consultation has opened on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRCA) plans to franchise the area’s bus services.
Following the combined authority’s decision in March 2022 to confirm re-regulation as its preferred option, all households in the region will receive a leaflet explaining Mayor Steve Rotheram’s ambitions and an invite to give feedback, while a series of roadshows will also be held. The consultation closes on 3 August.
Under the “London-style” system, operators would compete to run the services through a competitive tendering process.
As well as details of the proposed franchising scheme, which is presented as the best plan, the consultation document outlines the option for an Enhanced Partnership.
Mr Rotheram says: “Hundreds of thousands of people in our area rely on buses to get about every day. For many, they are a vital lifeline that connects them to the outside world, to new opportunities, and to each other.
“Yet, for far too long, people in our communities have been forced to contend with a second-class bus service that’s too confusing, too unreliable, and too expensive. I want this to become a thing of the past – because we simply can no longer afford to accept a public transport service that leaves behind the very people who need it most.
“Using the powers that devolution has given to us, I want to build a London-style integrated transport system that’s faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable – and that starts by taking back control of our buses to give us greater control over fares, routes and timetables. Working together, I want to put the ‘public’ back into public transport and build a fairer system that puts passengers before profit.
“As we move a step closer to making that ambition a reality, I want our residents to have their say on our plans. So, whether you regularly take the bus or not, I’m encouraging everyone to get involved in this consultation and make their voice heard.”
The plans would see £252m investment in new buses, £62m investment in bus depots and the transition process would cost £27m, all of which would likely be covered by a loan which would be paid back via fares received.
The authority concedes long-term costs are likely to require extra funding, which it will investigate covering via a transport levy, mayoral precept, Mersey Tunnel tolls or government funding.
LCRCA plans to run the first franchised services in the 2026-27 financial year, with St Helens representing phase one of five in the roll-out.
Yesterday marked the introduction to service of 20 new hydrogen buses bought by LCRCA and leased to Stagecoach and Arriva for use on the 10a service between St Helens and Liverpool city centre. Built by Alexander Dennis, the £12.5m cost has been met by the Transforming Cities Fund.
