Hundreds of millions of pounds are to be invested in the Liverpool City Region’s bus network over the coming years, bringing services back into public control, improving journey times and making travel greener and easier, under plans confirmed by Mayor Steve Rotheram.

With over 80% of public transport journeys in the region taken by bus, they’re at the heart of Mayor Rotheram’s vision for an integrated transport system which is more accessible and affordable for all 1.6 million of the region’s residents.

The plans for the network – backed by funding from the £1.6bn Transport for City Region (TCR) settlement – will see major investment in depots, smart ticketing and a new fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles.

More than 100 all-electric, zero emission buses have already been secured for the region. Following a thorough review of the hydrogen bus project including global hydrogen supply and pricing, the Combined Authority has also taken the decision to convert the 20 hydrogen buses to battery electric to supplement those already on order.

The move to further expand the fully-electric bus fleet strengthens the Liverpool City Region’s position as a leader in sustainable transport and accelerates its journey towards becoming net zero.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

“We’re gearing up for the most significant year for transport the Liverpool City Region has seen in decades, as we prepare to reverse 40 years of deregulation by taking back control of our buses and transforming our public transport offer.

“We’re making record investment in our fleet, infrastructure, and smart ticketing so we’re ready to deliver service improvement passengers know they can rely on, day in, day out. It means cleaner, more comfortable journeys, better reliability, and lower running costs – helping us to keep fares as affordable as possible while making it easier for people to get to work, education and opportunity.

“We’re rebuilding a bus network that works in the interests of passengers, not profit – and helping to create a fairer, more connected Liverpool City Region.”

News of the significant investment in the region’s bus network follows confirmation last week that the region’s £2 bus fare cap would be extended for a further six months, well over a year beyond the end of the national £2 fare cap.

The £2 fare cap – along with the recently announced £2.20 price freeze of the young persons’ dayrider for the ninth year running, MyTicket – ensures that residents of the region are able to continue to benefit from some of the cheapest bus fares in the country.

Key Bus Investments:

• Bus Franchising: The investment will accelerate plans to bring bus services back under public control through franchising, giving the region greater power over fares, routes and timetables for the first time in nearly 40 years. This process is expected to begin in St Helens and Wirral in 2026, with full rollout across the region by 2027.
• Fleet and Infrastructure Upgrades: Funding will support the introduction of a brand-new, zero-emission fleet (building on the prior purchase of over 100 all-electric buses) and new depot infrastructure as well as major improvements to transport interchanges in St Helens and Huyton, furthering the region’s net-zero carbon ambitions.
• Integrated Smart Ticketing: Over £60 million will be used to roll out multimodal smart ticketing across the network, including “tap-and-go” contactless payment with fare-capping, ensuring passengers always pay the lowest price for their journeys.
• Infrastructure for Better Journeys: Major upgrades to key corridors will include bus priority measures, improved traffic signalling and road infrastructure upgrades to reduce congestion, improve punctuality, and make bus journeys quicker and more reliable.