Liverpool Restores Public Control of Bus Network

Liverpool selects Go North West and Stagecoach to run franchised bus network

Liverpool Picks Operators for Public Bus Control

Liverpool City Region's bringing buses back under public control for the first time since the 1980s, with Go North West and Stagecoach selected to operate the new franchised services. The Combined Authority will set fares, routes, and timetables under the franchising model, officials confirmed. St Helens launches first later this year, followed by Wirral, with remaining areas completing the transition by September 2027.

Historic Return to Public Control

The move marks the region's first return to publicly-controlled bus services since deregulation in the 1980s. Liverpool City Region becomes only the second area in England after Greater Manchester to adopt this franchising model for public bus services. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram described this as "the start of a public transport revolution" and emphasized the goal of making buses a genuine quality alternative to cars. The franchising model gives the Combined Authority direct control over service planning and pricing, shifting from the current commercial operator model.

Phased Rollout Across Five Areas

St Helens will be the first area to launch the new publicly-controlled services later this year, with Stagecoach operating the routes. Wirral will follow later in the year, with Go North West taking over operations there. The remaining three areas—Sefton, Knowsley, and Liverpool—will complete the transition by September 2027. Cllr Anthony Burns, leader of St Helens Council, expressed delight at being the first area to implement the changes. Officials didn't specify exact launch dates for St Helens or Wirral beyond "later this year."

Authority Gains Fare and Route Control

Under the new franchising model, the Combined Authority will have power to set fares, routes, and timetables across the region. The operators—Go North West and Stagecoach—will run services under contract to the authority rather than operating commercially. Officials haven't released details about initial fare structures or specific route changes planned for the franchised network. The transition represents a fundamental shift in how bus services are planned and delivered across the Liverpool City Region.

What Riders Need to Know

Riders in St Helens and Wirral will see the first changes to publicly-controlled services later this year, though officials haven't announced specific transition dates. Passengers in Sefton, Knowsley, and Liverpool should expect changes by September 2027. The authority said the goal is making buses a genuine quality alternative to cars through improved service coordination. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Liverpool City Region bus services as the transition unfolds.