Here in Liverpool, buses are back under public control - and that’s great for the only people who really matter

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Liverpool city region has taken control of its bus services from private operators for the first time in over 40 years, starting with St Helens and planning to expand across the region through a franchising model that sets routes, fares, and standards. This move aims to improve service quality and accessibility by prioritizing passenger needs and integrating transport policies, while supporting broader goals of public ownership in local infrastructure.

Liverpool city region has begun a significant shift in public transportation management by bringing its bus services back under public control for the first time in more than 40 years. The change, initiated last weekend, starts with St Helens in Merseyside and is set to extend across the wider region.

Under the new arrangement, the Liverpool city region combined authority will determine bus routes, fares, and service standards, although operations will still be carried out by third-party providers through franchising agreements. This model aims to prioritize passenger needs over purely commercial considerations, allowing local authorities to design a network that better serves communities.

Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool city region, emphasized the importance of this approach, stating that public control enables the authority to focus on factors such as service frequency, evening and weekend availability, and improved connections to key locations like hospitals and rail stations. Rotheram also highlighted that the single fare remains capped at £2, maintaining price stability for passengers.

Among the immediate changes introduced is a new express bus service linking St Helens directly to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This development aims to provide convenient travel options for families and workers alike, potentially reducing the need for car use and parking expenses at the airport.

The move represents a broader strategy to reintegrate public ownership into the region’s transport infrastructure. Beyond buses, the Liverpool city region has procured a £500 million fleet of new trains and is planning to bring Merseyrail services under public ownership by 2028. Additionally, a new ferry—the Royal Daffodil, constructed locally—will soon undertake its maiden voyage, marking the first new ferry across the Mersey in six decades.

Rotheram framed the initiative as a corrective response to the long-standing belief in privatization and deregulation as the best means to deliver efficient transportation. He noted that while markets serve certain functions, public ownership allows policymakers to consider broader social benefits, such as access to employment and education, which may not be reflected in private operators’ profit calculations.

The shift in Liverpool aligns with a wider trend under the current Labour government, which has moved to bring rail services back into public ownership and is empowering local leaders to have greater control over essential community services.

By focusing on passenger needs and local accountability, Liverpool city region’s public transport reform aims to create a more reliable, accessible system that supports economic opportunity and social inclusion. The mayor expressed optimism that the region could become a model for effective public transportation in the UK.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.