Hopes have been raised that Liverpool City Region can become one of just two areas in the UK to deliver landmark public transport reforms.
Bringing buses back into public control across the six local authority areas moved a step closer last week with the launch of a major public consultation into the proposals. It was agreed by the combined authority last year to move forward with franchising as a future model for running the bus network and services.
Should the plans go-ahead, Liverpool City Region would join Greater Manchester as the two locations in the UK to shake-up its public transport offer in this way.
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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. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has given his backing to the plans set out for Liverpool City Region.
Addressing a major summit in North Wales on cross border partnerships, Mr Burnham cited the impending model being adopted down the M62 and said “I hope Steve (Rotheram, Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region) won’t be far behind us on that.”
Mr Rotheram launched the public consultation to the 1.6m across Liverpool City Region last week. Currently private operators decide the routes, timetables, fares and standards.
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.
The Metro Mayor 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.”
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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