Electrification works finish at Liverpool bus depot 

Work has been completed on a major electrification project at a bus depot in Liverpool, to support the region’s new fleet of 108 battery-electric buses. 

The city’s Gillmoss Depot, operated by Stagecoach, has been equipped with upgraded grid connections and high-powered, intelligent charging bays which can fully charge a double-decker bus in 90 minutes. 

It is a key operational base for bus services in Liverpool and Knowsley and will now serve as the primary hub for the region’s zero-emission bus fleet. 

The project was delivered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority together with Scottish Power Energy Networks, electric vehicle charging specialists VEV, Stagecoach, and Liverpool City Council. 

Built by UK manufacturers Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus, the new electric buses can travel up to 275 miles on a single charge. 

They include glazed staircases, improved accessibility, USB charging points, and real-time information screens. 

Funding for the zero-emission fleet and depot upgrades was secured through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the Department for Transport’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) fund. 

Bus services in the Liverpool City Region are being brought back under local public control this year for the first time in more than 40 years. 

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Over the next few months, passengers will start to see a complete transformation taking place across our public transport network.  

“From our publicly owned electric buses and battery-powered trains to our brand-new Mersey Ferry, we’re investing in a modern, 21st century network that will serve not just today’s passengers, but future generations.”