Nöbetçi Eczaneler
Liverpool City Region has begun a phased transition of its bus network to local public control, supported by £86.3 million in central government funding through 2029.
The UK Department for Transport announced the change on 7 September 2026. The new model will start in St Helens, expand to Wirral later in the year and reach the remaining parts of Liverpool City Region during 2027.
Local authority gains control of the network
Under the franchising system, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will have broader powers over route planning, service frequency, branding and fares. Private operators will continue to run services under contracts, while the public authority will design and oversee the network.
The approach is intended to align bus services more closely with regional transport objectives and community needs. Passenger volumes, interchange connections and access for individual neighbourhoods can therefore be considered alongside commercial operating requirements.
Funding for services and a new fleet
The government will provide £86.3 million through 2029 for more reliable services and new vehicles. Liverpool City Region will also receive a share of a separate one-off £3 million fund created to help mayoral authorities establish greater control over bus operations.
More than 93 million bus journeys were made in Liverpool City Region last year, according to the department. The region is one of six mayoral areas receiving government support to move towards bus franchising.
A phased transition
New yellow buses will first enter service in St Helens before the model is extended across the wider region. The precise start date for Wirral was not included in the announcement.
The transition involves more than changing operators. Contract transfers, staff arrangements, vehicle management and the division of financial responsibilities will be implemented in stages. Measures such as punctuality, accessibility, integrated ticketing, passenger satisfaction and operating costs will be important in assessing the new system.
Transition schedule: St Helens first; Wirral later in 2026; remaining areas in 2027
Full report in Turkish: Liverpool Otobüsleri Yerel Kamu Denetimine Geçiyor
Source: UK Department for Transport