Major shake-up for Liverpool City Region bus services as Mayor Rotheram accelerates public control

Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a significant transformation as Mayor Steve Rotheram speeds up plans to introduce the region’s first publicly-run bus network in nearly four decades.

Under the new bus reform, passengers will see more frequent services, extended routes, and improved connections to key locations such as hospitals and railway stations.

A new express service between St Helens and Liverpool John Lennon Airport is also set to launch, with further enhancements to follow as the rollout expands.

The franchising model – which allows public control over routes, fares, and timetables to prioritise passengers over private profits – will be introduced a year earlier than originally planned. The first phase will begin in St Helens in 2026, with Wirral next, before rolling out across all six boroughs by the end of 2027.

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.

“That’s why I took the historic decision to bring our buses back under public control – a move backed by nearly 70% of people in our region.

“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.”

Taking back control of buses is a key part of the Mayor’s wider vision for a fully integrated, London-style public transport system that is quicker, simpler, and more affordable.

At next week’s 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 new all-electric double-decker buses, as the city region builds on its commitment to becoming net zero carbon by 2035.

The Combined Authority’s wider £400m capital programme for 2025/26 includes:

£46m for rail improvements, including progress on the new Baltic Station (£25m), better accessibility at existing 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.
Funding for smart ticketing, electric vehicle infrastructure, and active travel routes.

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.”

With 94% of the funding coming from government grants, the Combined Authority is committed to delivering better buses, lower fares, and simpler journeys – without placing additional burden on taxpayers.

The Liverpool City Region has already delivered £500m of investment in a brand-new rail fleet, built the £80m Headbolt Lane station, and introduced a £2 bus fare cap until September 2025 to help residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

Mayor Rotheram said:

“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.”