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Liverpool City Region Expands Electric Bus Fleet and Unveils New Livery
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Waste of public money.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts! It's understandable to question public spending, especially in today's climate. However, investing in an upgraded bus fleet has multiple long-term benefits that can outweigh initial costs.
DeleteFirstly, electric buses significantly reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This investment aligns with the broader goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035, which benefits everyone in the community.
Secondly, enhancing public transport options can reduce congestion on our roads. With more reliable and frequent services, more people might choose buses over cars, which can lead to less traffic and shorter commute times for all.
Additionally, improved bus services make public transport more attractive, potentially increasing ridership and revenue over time. This, in turn, can help ensure the sustainability of the transport network, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.
Lastly, these investments are part of a larger strategy to create a cohesive, integrated transport system that connects various modes of travel, making it easier for everyone to get around.
I appreciate your perspective, and it's important we discuss how public funds are allocated to create a system that serves our community effectively.
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
ReplyDeleteThank you for raising this point. The challenges with the hydrogen buses are indeed concerning, but they mainly stem from the initial lack of green hydrogen supply. It was only after securing a source that operational issues became evident. I understand the manufacturer is addressing these at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Until the hydrogen trial proves successful, the LCRCA has outlined it is to prioritise electric buses, like those announced in this article, while adapting its approach to the evolving situation.
Delete