Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
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Stagecoach Yorkshire Launches 23 Yutong E12 Electric Buses
Stagecoach has ushered in a new era of sustainable transport in South Yorkshire with the introduction of their first fleet of electric buses. Partnering with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, this initiative marks a significant step towards cleaner air and reduced congestion in the region.
Pelican Bus & Coach
ZEBRA Funding Success
This initiative marks South Yorkshire’s successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport, supporting efforts to improve local air quality and reduce congestion.
State-of-the-Art Yutong Vehicles
Supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach, the new electric buses feature distinctive “electro” branding and bespoke interiors. These buses represent Stagecoach’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2035, a significant milestone in their sustainability journey.
“We are so proud to be introducing these state-of-the-art buses into the community to improve air quality locally and reduce congestion as more people make the switch to sustainable forms of transport. As a business, Stagecoach is committed to achieving net zero by 2035 and the launch of these vehicles is a huge milestone towards achieving this.”
“South Yorkshire is committed to creating a greener future for the region and achieving net zero by 2040. It’s estimated 200,000 people here live in areas vulnerable to air pollution. That’s a challenge we simply have to address, and these new electric buses are a step in the right direction to making our air cleaner for everyone. Not only will they improve public transport and make a contribution towards our net zero goals but they will help us on the path to a cleaner, greener, wealthier and healthier South Yorkshire.”
Government Support and Investment
The launch event was also celebrated by government officials, including Minister for Roads Guy Opperman, highlighting the UK government’s substantial investment of over £460 million towards clean, modern buses across England, including £8.4 million specifically for South Yorkshire.
“We’ve invested over £460m into the rollout of clean, modern and reliable buses across England, including £8.4m for South Yorkshire. I am delighted to see the progress to a zero emission bus fleet and seeing Stagecoach continue to deliver more electric buses across the country. This investment into our bus fleet comes on top of the £3.5billion we have invested into our bus network since 2020, protecting and improving bus routes into 2025 as well as extending the £2 bus fare cap until the end of 2024, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding.”
Manufacturing and Deployment
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Sales at Pelican Bus & Coach, highlighted the technical achievements of the project, noting that these buses are the first DC and pantograph charged vehicles delivered by Pelican in the UK. The vehicles were fully assembled at Pelican’s Castleford depot.
“The launch event was the culmination of tireless work from the Stagecoach team and the wider community. They have developed superb vehicles with a new contemporary interior. These are the first DC and pantograph charged vehicles delivered by Pelican into the UK. The vehicles were fully completed in the UK at our Castleford depot and we look forward to seeing them on the streets of Yorkshire.”
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
In a move that’s sure to shake up the bus scene in the Liverpool City Region, Tower Transit Group, part of the Kelsian Group, has taken over local bus operator Huyton Travel, otherwise known as HTL Buses.
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