A formal public consultation will launch after May’s local elections on bringing buses back into public control across the Liverpool City Region.
Last year the region's combined authority unanimously voted 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.
Following the completion of an internal audit and assessment of the franchising model, combined authority members have agreed to move forward with a public engagement exercise in the summer. Residents, businesses and trade unions will be invited to give their feedback.
