LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

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 other – but for too long, our services have been run in the interests of private operators, not passengers.”

What’s Changing for Passengers?

From day one, passengers will see more frequent services, extended routes and better rail connections. Key improvements include:

• More buses, better timetables – In St Helens, two-hourly services will run hourly, weekend buses will be reinstated and there’ll be a new express service to Liverpool Airport. On the Wirral, low-frequency services will run at least once an hour and evening and Sunday services will improve.

• Smarter routes – Some will be extended for better connections to hospitals and rail stations.

• Less confusion – Some buses will be renumbered to make things clearer.

New Bus Depots Are A Key Part of the Plan

To make franchising work, the Combined Authority needs its own depots. While discussions are ongoing with landowners, the authority is also considering the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process to acquire land if necessary. This ensures that the transition to a publicly-run network isn’t delayed by depot availability.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

Mayor Rotheram added:

“For the first time in nearly 40 years, we will have the power to set fares, routes, and timetables, ensuring that buses work for the people who rely on them. And because we’re moving faster than planned, more communities will feel the benefits even sooner.”

A £119 Million Investment in Better Buses

At the next Combined Authority meeting, leaders will consider a £119m investment in new buses, depots and infrastructure upgrades to support the transition. This includes the purchase of all-electric double-decker buses, helping the city region push towards its net zero carbon target by 2035.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

The wider £400m capital programme for 2025/26 includes:

• £46m for rail improvements, including the new Baltic Station (£25m), better accessibility at stations (£8m) and expanded capacity at Sandhills (£4m).

• £15m for the Mersey Ferries, including the first new ferry in over 60 years.

• £17m for Mersey Tunnels upgrades.

• Investment in smart ticketing, electric vehicle infrastructure and active travel routes.

How Will Franchising Work?

The new system will be rolled out through a structured contract model, ensuring fair competition and high service standards:

• Two types of contracts:

  • Larger contracts – Covering major services with up to 208 buses.

  • Smaller contracts – Covering school and local services with up to 22 buses.

• No monopoly – No one company will get all the big contracts, encouraging competition.

• Fair pay – Operators must pay drivers the Real Living Wage and meet high employment standards.

Mayor Rotheram added:

“This isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about transforming how people move around our city region, cutting congestion, improving air quality, and building a transport system that is cleaner, greener, and fit for the future.”

What’s Next?

With the framework now set, the focus shifts to the next key steps:

• Finalising the St Helens and Wirral network specifications.

• Launching the CPO process while continuing depot negotiations.

• Putting contracts out to tender for operators.

• Starting franchised services in September 2026.

A Transport System for the Future

This is one of the biggest overhauls of Liverpool City Region’s transport system in decades. By bringing buses under public control, the Combined Authority aims to create a more efficient, affordable and user-focused network.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

With 94% of the funding coming from government grants, the transition aims to deliver better services, lower fares and simpler journeys—without adding financial pressure on local taxpayers.

Mayor Rotheram added:

“People in our region deserve a public transport system that works for them. Through bold, decisive action, we’re putting the public back into public transport – and making buses a first choice, not a last resort.”

With the first phase just a couple of years away, the countdown to a fully franchised, passenger-first bus network has begun.