The first of more than 560 new low-emission buses set to transform public transport across the Liverpool City Region are ready to enter service, marking a significant milestone ahead of the region's return to bus franchising and public control.
Backed by an investment of more than £150 million, the state-of-the-art fleet will play a central role in modernising the region's transport network. Finished in the distinctive yellow, black and grey Metro branding, the latest vehicles will join the 108 publicly owned electric buses already operating across the city region.
Designed with passenger comfort and accessibility in mind, the UK-built buses feature USB charging points, improved seating, enhanced wheelchair and pram spaces, and audio-visual passenger information systems. The fleet has been manufactured entirely in Britain by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) at facilities in Scotland and Yorkshire, alongside Wrightbus in Northern Ireland.
The arrival of the new vehicles represents a major step forward in improving the passenger experience while supporting the region's environmental ambitions. Built to the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, the buses are expected to cut carbon emissions by around 20% and reduce Nitrogen Oxide emissions by more than 80% compared with many of the vehicles currently operating on local routes.
Importantly, the buses have also been designed to enable future conversion to battery-electric operation once sufficient grid capacity and charging infrastructure are in place. The move supports Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram's ambition to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
The £150 million investment also includes dozens of additional single-decker electric buses, which are due to begin arriving from 2027.
The new fleet forms part of a wider programme of transport investment across the Liverpool City Region. Alongside a £500 million investment in a new generation of Merseyrail trains and the first new Mersey Ferry for more than six decades, the plans will see the region's public transport fleet comprehensively renewed over the coming years.
The rollout comes as the Liverpool City Region prepares to bring bus services back under local public control for the first time in more than 40 years, with the transition being introduced in stages.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:
“The arrival of these state-of-the-art, low-emission vehicles marks a massive milestone on our countdown to taking back control of our bus network. We are completely renewing our fleet with ultra-modern, accessible buses that give our residents the premium, reliable experience they deserve.
“This is about building a fully integrated transport network that is fit for the future. We are creating a system that connects our communities seamlessly – making public transport the first choice for the 1.6 million people who call the Liverpool City Region home.
“From Autumn 2026, when St Helens and Wirral lead the transition into public control, we will finally have the power to design a network that puts passengers first. Combined with our new battery-powered trains, electric buses, and our brand-new Mersey Ferry, we are modernising every corner of our transport network to drive our region forward.”
The move to franchising will begin with St Helens this month, followed by Wirral in October. Bus services in Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton are expected to operate under the new franchised model by the end of 2027.
Image credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
