Moving Buses Forward: Wirral Bus Network Engagement

Overview

Following a major public consultation in summer 2023, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram made the landmark decision to move to a bus franchising model in the region, bringing bus services into public control. 

The Combined Authority will operate the bus network based on passenger’s needs, and make sure it is better connected with other modes of transport like rail and Mersey Ferries.

Local control of the bus network will also allow ticketing to be made simpler and more affordable, with plans for a new tap-and-go system ensuring passengers always pay the lowest fare for their journeys.

Franchising is how buses are operated in London and is the system which has recently been introduced across Greater Manchester. The first franchised bus network in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) will come into operation in St Helens in Autumn 2026, then Wirral, with the rest of the LCR completed by the end of 2027.

Last year residents in St Helens were asked for their views on bus services in their part of the region. 

We’re currently asking Wirral residents to give us feedback on bus services as well as potential future improvements they might like to see once franchising is in place.

The survey will also ask you to make suggestions around future changes which might encourage you to use buses more frequently.

Please keep in mind that completing the survey should take around 5-10 minutes. It will be open until 11:59pm on Sunday 9th November 2025.