Liverpool unveils plans for expanding its electric fleet: intends to incorporate 50 new electric buses
The Liverpool City Region's bus network is set to undergo a significant transformation, as it returns to public control, following a decision made by the Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, in 2021. This move is part of a larger commitment to create a bus network that puts passengers first, making travel cheaper, greener, and more reliable.
Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, unveiled a new livery for the city's publicly run buses, which was attended by Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport. The new design, colour scheme, and Metro branding mirror the city region's 500 million pounds fleet of new trains, signifying a unified approach to public transport.
In a major public consultation, around 70% of respondents supported the plans to franchise bus services, with Mayor Rotheram stating that by bringing buses under public control, decisions will be made locally and the public will be at the heart of public transport.
Franchised services are expected to begin in St Helens in 2026 and be introduced across the region by the end of 2027. The total number of fully electric buses secured for the city region's publicly owned fleet will exceed 100, with 50 brand new electric double-deckers being purchased as part of this expansion. This addition comes after an earlier announcement in March, which saw a commitment of 26 million pounds for a major expansion of the electric bus fleet.
Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, praised the plans, calling them a fantastic example of local leaders delivering better services for their communities. She also reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting local leaders across the country to deliver on their transport priorities and breaking down barriers to delivering better buses.
Steve Rotheram aims to reach net zero carbon in the Liverpool City Region by 2035, and this expansion is a significant step towards that goal. The funding for the new electric vehicles will be drawn from the CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement), a pot of 710 million pounds set aside for major transport projects in the region.
The new livery will be introduced across the network over the coming years as plans for an integrated London-style transport system move forward. By creating a bus network that puts passengers first, the Liverpool City Region is leading the way in sustainable, efficient, and passenger-focused public transport.
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