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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 ...

Megabus to Cut Back Operations in England and Wales Amid Low Demand

Megabus has announced plans to downsize its coach network in England and Wales from the 4th of December due to low demand. The budget coach operator will pull the plug on various routes, though key services in Scotland and the South West will continue as normal.

A blue and yellow Megabus coach is parked at a bus stop, its destination sign reading Liverpool. Despite low passenger demand, the urban backdrop remains lively with its bustling buildings in view.
Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

Once these changes come into effect, Megabus will still operate all services within Scotland under the Scottish Citylink and Megabus brands. The company’s cross-border services connecting Scotland with England and Wales will also carry on as usual, alongside Falcon routes in the South West of England. However, all other Megabus routes within England and Wales will be discontinued from the 4th December.

Despite these reductions, the cross-border services will continue to provide essential English and Welsh connections, including links between Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield and London, as well as connections between Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff.

To assist affected customers, Megabus will be reaching out shortly. Those with existing bookings on routes being discontinued will be provided alternative travel options or a full refund.

Megabus Managing Director Simone Walsh said:

“This has been an extremely difficult decision. However, unfortunately it is not sustainable for us to continue operating our current network as the customer demand is simply too low. So, we are making these changes to ensure that we have a more efficient network going forward.”

Walsh added that Megabus will continue to operate its long-standing cross-border services, which also provide connections within England and Wales. Falcon services between Plymouth and Bristol will continue to run as normal, as will all services across Scotland.

“We want to thank the many passengers who travel with us every day and will ensure that we continue to operate an affordable and high-quality service on the parts of the network that are unaffected by these changes. And we will work hard to ensure that customers who have booked services that are being discontinued are looked after and offered an alternative option.”

Tickets for Megabus and Falcon services are available for booking on megabus.com until 5th January, with all festive season services now open for reservations.

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