Help shape plans for future of our buses GET ON ABOARD

PEOPLE across Merseyside are being asked for their views on plans totransform the region’s bus services.

Residents, businesses, trade unions and stakeholders can have their say on a new bus franchising scheme proposed by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.

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.

Bus franchising would give the Combined Authority greater control over fares, routes and timetables, allowing the services to be operated in the interests of local bus users with private operators running them under a contract with authority.

Reform of the region’s bus network is a key part of Mayor Rotheram’s wider ambition to build a London-style transport system that makes getting about faster, cheaper, cleaner, more reliable.

Mayor Rotheram said: “For far too long, people in our communities have been forced to contend with a secondclass 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.

“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.”

To take part in the survey visit

liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk /movingbusesforward

The consultation team can also be contacted with questions via email at

movingbusesforward@ liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk or phone 0151 330 1249.