Public consultation on Liverpool franchising launches

People are being given the chance to have their say on plans to reform bus services in the Liverpool City Region. Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority is launching the new public consultation on bus franchising in the area today.

Local residents, businesses, trade unions and stakeholders are being asked to give feedback on the scheme proposed by Mayor Rotheram.

The Mayor has committed to using the powers available to elected mayors through devolution to revolutionise the region’s bus services.

Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority voted unanimously last year to confirm franchising as the region’s preferred future model for running the bus network and services. The region is one of only two places in the country to go to consultation, with Manchester having already moved through that process and now preparing to implement franchising.

Bus franchising would give the Combined Authority greater control over fares, routes and timetables, with private operators running them under a contract with and to the requirements of the Combined Authority.

“Using the powers that devolution has given to us, I want to build a London-style integrated transport system that’s faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable” – Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people in our area rely on buses to get about every day. For many, they are a vital lifeline that connects them to the outside world, to new opportunities, and to each other.

“Yet, for far too long, people in our communities have been forced to contend with a second-class bus service that’s too confusing, too unreliable, and too expensive. I want this to become a thing of the past – because we simply can no longer afford to accept a public transport service that leaves behind the very people who need it most.

“Using the powers that devolution has given to us, I want to build a London-style integrated transport system that’s faster, cheaper, cleaner and more reliable – and that starts by taking back control of our buses to give us greater control over fares, routes and timetables. Working together, I want to put the ‘public’ back into public transport and build a fairer system that puts passengers before profit.

“As we move a step closer to making that ambition a reality, I want our residents to have their say on our plans.”

The public consultation on proposed reforms to bus services in the Liverpool City Region will run until 3 August 2023. Over the coming weeks all households in the Liverpool City Region should receive a leaflet with more information on the proposed changes to how bus services work, as well as details of how to take part in the consultation.

A series of roadshows are also being held across the city region, giving people an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to complete consultation questionnaires.