Liverpool City Region has appointed two new operators to run its first publicly controlled bus services since the 1980s, following a competitive tender process.
Stagecoach has been selected to operate the franchised bus network based in St Helens, while Go-Ahead will run the franchised bus network based in Wirral.
The first phase of bus franchising will begin in these two areas in autumn 2026, before rolling out across the whole region by the end of 2027.
This move means the Combined Authority, rather than private operators, will set routes, fares and timetables.
Immediate improvements include more frequent and later running buses on key routes alongside an increase in the number of weekend services.
In St Helens, a new express service to Liverpool John Lennon Airport will be introduced, while in Wirral routes are being extended to provide better direct links to hospitals and rail stations.
Also, hundreds of millions of pounds are being invested in new buses, depots and infrastructure upgrades to support the transition to a franchised network.
This includes the purchase of more than 100 new all-electric double-decker buses, as the city region builds on its commitment to becoming net zero carbon by 2035.
Liverpool City Region said accountability will be at the heart of all new operator contracts, with customer-focused targets for punctuality, reliability and bus cleanliness built in from day one.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “Franchising gives us the power to hold operators to account, to shape routes, fares and timetables around the needs of our area and its citizens.”
