Consultation showcases Liverpool bus franchising

A ten-week public consultation has been launched, which details Mayor Steve Rotheram’s plans for the future of the Liverpool City Region’s transport network. Among the blueprints being showcased is the Mayor’s bus franchising plans.

The new Local Transport Plan (LTP) is intended to shape the city region’s transport developments until 2040 and is a roadmap to delivering the Mayor’s vision for a London-style integrated transport system that is fast, clean, safe, sustainable and accessible to all.

The consultation begins as the Combined Authority prepares franchise the city’s bus network and just days after £26m funding for a further 50 all-electric buses was announced, bringing the total to more than 100. Within the last year, the city region has also completed the rollout of a £500m fleet of new trains, opened a brand new £80m station at Headbolt Lane, Kirkby, and announced a £96m investment in a new station in the Liverpool Baltic Quarter.

The new Local Transport Plan is the first to cover all six local authority areas and supports the Mayor’s ambition for the Liverpool City Region to be net-zero carbon by 2035.

“Its purpose is to build a fully integrated London-style transport system” – Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “The Local Transport Plan is used to steer future investments into our network with clear aims to support communities and improving transport for everyone while aligning to wider Combined Authority ambitions, for example, achieving net zero emissions by 2035.

“Whether a regular public transport user or not, all residents within the City Region are encouraged to take part in the consultation and have their say. Its purpose is to build a fully integrated London-style transport system, along with better connections to and from the region that helps people get to school, work, training and travel for leisure and pleasure. Improving the health and quality of life for people and communities as well as ensuring the network and assets are well maintained are key to its success.”

• The consultation closes on 15 December 2024 and can be accessed here.