Featured Post

First Bus and FlixBus Launch Five-Year Partnership

By on
Image
First Bus and FlixBus have announced a five-year partnership that will see eight new or expanded coach routes launching across the UK from next year, strengthening long-distance travel options nationwide. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies, with First Bus furthering its reach into the intercity coach market and FlixBus doubling down on its UK expansion.
Post a Comment

Liverpool City Region Expands Electric Bus Fleet and Unveils New Livery

By on

In a landmark moment for sustainable transport in Liverpool, Mayor Steve Rotheram today revealed the new livery for the Liverpool City Region's publicly owned bus fleet. The announcement was accompanied by news of a major investment in electric buses, marking another significant milestone in the region's journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

Yellow and black double-decker bus with "All Change" displayed on the front, parked in a wet plaza. Historic buildings with domes are in the background under a cloudy sky, as part of Liverpool City Region's commitment to electric bus fleet transformation.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

As part of this initiative, fifty brand new electric double-deckers are set to join the fleet, bringing the total number of electric buses secured for the city region to over 100. This expansion forms part of a broader strategy to create a greener, more reliable and integrated public transport network for the people of Liverpool City Region.

Expanding the Electric Fleet: A Step Towards Sustainability

The purchase of fifty additional electric buses comes as part of a £26 million investment, approved during the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting in September. These vehicles are in addition to the 58 electric buses announced earlier in March, continuing the city region’s push to reduce carbon emissions from public transport.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, highlighted the significance of this development in the region’s environmental goals, stating:

"Today is a landmark moment in our mission to build a London-style, green transport system that works for the people of our city region. With an additional 100 fully electric buses ordered in just the past few months, we’re showing the rest of the country what a climate action strategy looks like in practice, cleaning up our air with fewer emissions."

The introduction of these buses forms a crucial part of Rotheram’s wider vision of transforming the city’s transport infrastructure. The initiative is more than just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating a public transport network that prioritises passengers and promotes sustainability. For the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the city’s buses every day, the new electric fleet will make travel more environmentally friendly, affordable and reliable.

Two modern electric double-decker buses, a red one and a yellow one, as well as a yellow single-decker are parked on a wet street in front of a historic building. These sleek electric buses champion sustainability as pedestrians with umbrellas walk nearby on a rainy day.
Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

The Journey to Net Zero by 2035

The expansion of the electric bus fleet is integral to the Liverpool City Region’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2035. By replacing older, more polluting buses with electric alternatives, the region is taking a proactive approach to reducing transport emissions, which is a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change.

The £26 million investment in new buses is just one part of the broader City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a £710 million fund allocated to major transport projects in the region. The move toward electric buses reflects a wider trend in the UK as local authorities seek to decarbonise public transport systems and support the government’s broader climate objectives.

Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, who was present at the unveiling of the new bus livery, praised the region’s efforts:

"This is a fantastic example of local leaders racing ahead to deliver better services for their communities. Liverpool City Region deserves a reliable, iconic, and green bus network – and Mayor Rotheram is delivering on that vision through his plans for public control."

Her statement underlines the government's support for regional leaders like Rotheram, who are at the forefront of the green transport revolution in the UK.

Three electric buses are parked side by side on a wet street. The red and yellow buses, part of a zero-emission fleet with Wright branding, display All Change on their signage. A historic building with a dome is visible in the background, promoting sustainability in urban transport.
Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

Public Control of the Bus Network: A New Era for Local Transport

The announcement of the new electric buses comes as part of a wider shift in how public transport is managed in the Liverpool City Region. Mayor Rotheram has made the bold decision to bring the bus network back under public control through franchising, following a public consultation that revealed overwhelming support for the move, with around 70% of respondents backing the plan.

With franchised services set to begin in St Helens in 2026 and across the entire region by the end of 2027, the Liverpool City Region is on course to regain local control of its bus network. This shift will allow the Combined Authority to manage fares, routes and timetables, ensuring that decisions are made with the needs of local passengers in mind.

As Rotheram explained:

"By bringing buses back under public control, we’re ensuring decisions are made locally – and putting the public firmly back at the heart of public transport."

This move aligns with the Mayor’s broader vision for creating a London-style transport system, where passengers benefit from more efficient, integrated services. With franchising, Liverpool will have more control over pricing, making fares cheaper for passengers and improving the overall reliability and accessibility of the bus network.

A group of nine people smiling and standing in front of a yellow Metro double-decker bus, part of the new zero-emission vehicles fleet. They are dressed in business attire, and the bus features a bright Metro logo above them, symbolising a commitment to sustainability.
Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

Integrated Transport: A Unified Vision for the Future

The new buses are part of a larger integrated transport plan for the Liverpool City Region. The buses will feature a new design and livery, aligned with the city’s £500 million fleet of new trains, ensuring a consistent look across the public transport system. This branding is symbolic of Rotheram’s goal to develop a cohesive and connected transport network, mirroring the systems seen in global cities like London.

The introduction of the new livery is also part of the broader ambition to create a transport system that is easy to use and recognisable for all passengers. Over the coming years, the livery will be rolled out across the entire bus fleet, reinforcing the sense of unity across different transport modes, including buses, trains and cycling routes.

This focus on integration also extends to the new electric buses’ role in complementing other transport services. The buses will provide seamless connections to key railway stations and ferry terminals, helping to create a more interconnected and efficient system.

Three buses parked side by side on a wet street. The first bus is yellow with Warringtons branding, the second is a sleek black zero-emission vehicle, and the third is a red double-decker bus. The overcast sky looms above this glimpse of Liverpool City Region’s commitment to cleaner transport.
Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

Funding and Future Investment in Liverpool’s Transport System

The funding for the electric buses and other improvements is being drawn from the CRSTS, a £710 million fund dedicated to transforming transport in the region. This funding is vital for delivering large-scale projects that can support the region’s growth and help meet its ambitious climate goals.

The CRSTS supports projects that reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote sustainable travel modes like walking, cycling and public transport. The introduction of electric buses is just one part of the region’s broader strategy to create a modern and efficient transport network that supports economic development and sustainability.

Mayor Rotheram’s vision for the Liverpool City Region’s transport system is one that puts passengers first, reduces emissions and offers reliable, affordable services. This vision is already starting to take shape, with the expansion of the electric bus fleet, the introduction of franchising and the development of an integrated transport system that rivals the best in the world.

Two people stand at the entrance of a yellow bus with METRO and a round logo above them. The person on the left wears a green jacket, and the one on the right wears a grey jacket. They are smiling, celebrating their new electric bus fleet ushering in zero-emission vehicles.
Bus Ambassador (Tom Harrison)

Conclusion: A Greener Future for Liverpool’s Public Transport

The unveiling of the new livery and the expansion of the electric bus fleet represent a major leap forward for Liverpool City Region’s transport system. With over 100 electric buses set to hit the streets, passengers can look forward to greener, more reliable services that reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability.

By bringing the bus network back under public control, Mayor Steve Rotheram is also ensuring that the people of Liverpool are at the heart of decision-making when it comes to their public transport. The franchising model will provide greater local control, ensuring that fares, timetables and routes meet the needs of passengers, while the investment in electric vehicles will help to clean up the city’s air and reduce carbon emissions.

As Liverpool continues its journey towards a net zero future, these developments signal the city’s commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable, passenger-focused public transport. The future of public transport in Liverpool City Region looks bright and with continued investment and innovation, it is set to become a model for other regions to follow.

For more information on the new electric bus fleet and the plans for Liverpool’s transport system, visit the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s website.

Comments

  1. Anonymous23/9/24 1:02 PM

    Waste of public money.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous25/9/24 3:35 PM

    so do you just want brush over the waste of millions on the hydrogen buses the were not fit for purpose and could not even do a full day without braking down

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First Bus and FlixBus Launch Five-Year Partnership

By on
Image
First Bus and FlixBus have announced a five-year partnership that will see eight new or expanded coach routes launching across the UK from next year, strengthening long-distance travel options nationwide. The collaboration marks a major milestone for both companies, with First Bus furthering its reach into the intercity coach market and FlixBus doubling down on its UK expansion.
More