On the Buses: Merseyside takes back control

After almost 40 years of bus deregulation, public transport across the Liverpool City Region is entering a new era. Buses are being brought under public control, meaning the combined authority will ultimately decide routes, fares and timetables rather than private operators.

The first franchise has launched in St Helens, with the new model being rolled out across the region and the next fleet heading to Wirral later this year. We hear from local politicians, including St Helens MP Marie Rimmer and council leaders, as well as passengers experiencing the new service for themselves.

With more than 93 million bus journeys made across the Liverpool City Region last year, the big question is whether public control can deliver better services and attract enough passengers to make the model a long-term success.