Liverpool city region receives first of 100 electric buses for franchised network

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has taken delivery of the first electric buses from a 100-vehicle fleet supplied by Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis Limited, set to enter service within months. The zero-emission double-deckers can run up to 275 miles on a single 90-minute charge and will operate under a new franchised network run by Stagecoach and Go-Ahead, announced in January. The rollout forms part of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's plan to return bus services to public control for the first time since 1986.

Why it matters: The 100-bus procurement signals substantial charging infrastructure demand across Liverpool's franchised network, with 90-minute turnaround charging likely requiring depot-based high-power installations. CPOs and charge-point suppliers should note the public-control model may centralise infrastructure tenders under the Combined Authority rather than individual operators.