Bringing buses back into public control across the Liverpool City Region is to move a step closer with the launch of a major public consultation.
Members of the city region combined authority agreed last year to move forward with franchising as a future model for running the bus network and services, one of only two locations in the UK to opt for such a process. Under a franchise system, the combined authority would take control of setting fares and routes in a move to make buses work in the interests of passengers and not for private companies, according to members of the authority.
Now, the decision is to be put to the 1.6m people across the region as Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed they will now have the chance to make their voices heard. Currently private operators decide the routes, timetables, fares and standards.
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There is also limited coordination between private bus operators and other forms of public transport. The public consultation on proposed reforms to bus services will run until August 3, with people being invited to take part in the consultation even if they are not regular bus users.
Metro Mayor Mr 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. So, whether you regularly take the bus or not, I’m encouraging everyone to get involved in this consultation and make their voice heard.”
Under the plans, there would be the opportunity for buses to integrate with other modes of transport, including the region’s new fleet of publicly-owned hydrogen buses and £500m trains. Ticketing would also be made simpler and more convenient with the introduction of a tap-in tap-out system with daily fare caps that mean passengers would always pay the cheapest fare across the whole network.
People can find more information on the proposals and take the online questionnaire by visiting liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/movingbusesforward
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 all six boroughs of the city region – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral – giving people an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes and to complete consultation questionnaires. The consultation team can also be contacted with questions via email at movingbusesforward@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk or by phone on 0151 330 1249.
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