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LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

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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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How Flexible Financing is Powering London’s Electric Bus Revolution

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Transport UK London Bus has given its fleet a green boost, rolling out 12 shiny new GB Kite Electroliner BEVs from Wrightbus, all thanks to financing sorted through Asset Alliance Group.

Asset Alliance Group

These sleek single-deckers hail from Northern Ireland and span 10.9 metres in length. They’re running on seven-year leases, packed with hefty 454kWh batteries that’ll keep them going for up to 200 miles on one charge. They’ve got room for 60 passengers too, all fitted to TfL’s usual high standards.

Alastair Willis, Commercial Director at Transport UK London Bus, explains:

“We started our decarbonisation journey in 2020. All six of our London depots are now electrified with DC chargers, and approaching a third of our 900-strong bus fleet is electric.

“These latest additions, replacing diesel models, retain that momentum and allow us to continue to play our part in helping the Mayor of London deliver his clean-air pledge. This will see only zero emission buses operating in the capital from 2030.”

Now hitting the streets on TfL’s Route R70, the Electroliners are running from Hampton to Twickenham and onwards to Richmond in south-west London. And with their range, they can do a full day’s work on just one charge.

Aside from being kinder to the environment, they’re also quieter and smoother than traditional buses. Passengers will enjoy the little touches too, like wood-effect panelling, high-back seats with extra padding, USB charging points, and sharper info displays. The drivers aren’t left out either, with fully heated and cooled seats to keep them comfy throughout their shift.

Willis goes on to highlight the benefits of the financing deal:

“The advantage of the operating leases is that they align with TfL’s seven-year contract length. This was our first direct deal with Asset Alliance Group, and they impressed us, with Martyn Bellis and Anthony Jones listening and understanding our specific needs, proposing a flexible, competitive option at an attractive rate that doesn’t tie us in long-term.”

Martyn Bellis, Commercial Director for Coach & Bus at Asset Alliance Group, added:

“We were pleased to be able to assist Transport UK London Bus with their ongoing transformation. This latest deal underlines the key role Asset Alliance Group is playing in facilitating the uptake of electric buses in the capital on behalf of the major bus operators and TfL.”

Transport UK London Bus was set up in 2023 after a management buyout of Abellio’s rail and bus operations, led by CEO Dominic Booth. The company now moves 150 million passengers every year across central, south, and west London for TfL, as well as handling rail replacement services when needed.

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LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
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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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