The LCR Transport Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss updates on bus franchise operators, transport infrastructure for the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and proposed amendments to Mersey Tunnels Byelaws. Key decisions included agreeing to write to Mersey Rail to reconsider its e-bike ban and endorsing new design guidance for accessible bus stops.

Bus Franchise Operators: Stagecoach and Go North West

Representatives from Stagecoach and Go North West provided presentations on their roles as new bus franchise operators in the region. Go North West, part of the global transport organisation Go Ahead Group, highlighted their experience in international public transport and their commitment to decarbonising public transport and improving employee welfare. They detailed their mobilisation efforts for services in the Wirral and Liverpool City Region, including driver training and fleet preparation.

Stagecoach, a long-standing operator in Merseyside, presented their values and operational approach, emphasizing community connection, reliability, and a commitment to greener travel. They detailed their recent award of the St Helens bus service franchise, outlining passenger benefits such as improved frequency, a new fleet, and enhanced connectivity. Both operators discussed their strategies for recruiting, retaining, and supporting frontline staff, with a particular focus on customer care training and addressing the needs of passengers with disabilities. Discussions also touched upon the development of a unified LCRCA app for ticketing and real-time information, aiming to avoid customer confusion from multiple operator apps.

Update on Transport and Infrastructure for Hill Dickinson Stadium

A comprehensive update was provided on the transport and infrastructure surrounding the Hill Dickinson Stadium, involving representatives from LCRCA, Merseyrail, Everton Football Club, and Liverpool City Council. The collective effort to manage transport for the new stadium was praised, with acknowledgement of the challenges in changing long-standing travel habits.

Key aspects of the transport provision include four dedicated bus routes serving the stadium, with new routes from Liverpool city centre, Bootle, and Kirby proving successful. Mersey Rail remains the principal transport link, with Sandhill station undergoing phased improvements. These improvements include the construction of a queuing area, a bridge to enhance access, and forthcoming permanent welfare facilities, representing a £6.4 million investment. The capacity of Mersey Rail's 777 trains, capable of carrying nearly 1,000 people, was highlighted as a significant advantage in moving large numbers of fans quickly.

Discussions also covered the implementation of road closures, known as Zone X, to ensure pedestrian safety on match days, with these closures lifting faster as operations have improved. A multi-agency match day command centre operates to coordinate efforts between Mersey Rail, police, and the club. Everton Football Club highlighted their collaborative approach through a dedicated transport working group, which includes fan representatives to ensure supporter experience remains central to planning. Improvements in accessible parking at Nelson Dock and the operation of a free shuttle bus between Sandhill Station and the stadium were also noted.

Mersey Rail reported initial challenges with performance at the start of the season but noted significant improvements by the turn of the year, with public performance measures increasing. They service approximately 20,000 passengers through Sandhill station on a normal match day, with staff numbers increasing to 64 on match days to manage operations. Despite the intensity, Sandhill station is cleared within 45-60 minutes, with average wait times for trains to Liverpool around 10 minutes.

Liverpool City Council outlined their work on road infrastructure, including the use of experimental traffic regulation orders to allow for flexibility in adjustments. They are collaborating with other core cities to share best practices and are working with fan boards to address issues such as street lighting. The implementation of yellow boxes at junctions around the stadium aims to prevent gridlock, and enforcement around residential parking zones has been increased. Variable message signs are being brought back online to provide real-time information to motorists.

Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

The committee considered a report proposing amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws 2003. The current byelaws were deemed outdated and not reflective of current legislation, vehicle standards, or operational practices. The proposed amendments aim to enhance safety, strengthen enforcement, improve operational efficiency, and ensure legal compliance.

Key proposed changes include updated definitions to reflect modern vehicle types and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the responsible body. Speed limits within the tunnels and approaches are being reviewed and clarified, with specific limits proposed for different lanes and sections of the Queensway and Kingsway Tunnels and their approaches. New byelaws address vehicle recovery procedures, including provisions for abandoned vehicles and associated charges. Restrictions on dangerous goods are being updated to align with ADR Agreement and Carriage of Dangerous Goods regulations.

The byelaws also clarify prohibited vehicles, including a revised approach to pedal cycles and electrically assisted pedal cycles, with specific time restrictions for their use in the Queensway Tunnel. Special permits for vehicles exceeding certain dimensions or weights are detailed, with discretion for the Chief Police Officer. Provisions for the inspection of vehicles and packages are being strengthened, and regulations regarding the entry and conduct of persons within the tunnels are being updated. The process for handling lost property is also being revised, with a shift in responsibility from the Operations Manager to the Chief Police Officer. The penalty for contravening the byelaws remains a fine, with updated references to the Standard Scale of Magistrates Court fines. The committee was asked to endorse the draft byelaws and the proposed approach to formal public consultation.

Brief Transport Policy and Funding Update

A report provided an update on national and local transport policy and funding changes, particularly following the confirmation of Rt Hon Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. Ministerial responsibilities within the Department for Transport have seen minor changes, with Justin Madders MP replacing Lillian Greenwood MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Roads.

A significant announcement confirmed a £2 cap on single bus tickets in England outside London from January 2027, backed by £400 million in government funding. This scheme replaces the existing £3 cap, though the LCR has already benefited from a £2 cap funded by the Combined Authority. New entitlements for disabled person's travel pass holders to receive free bus travel all day, every day, have also been confirmed, though Merseytravel passholders have long benefited from this.

The devolution agenda is advancing significantly, with a focus on fiscal devolution and a gradual shift from government grants to income tax revenues. A Budget is scheduled for 28th October, followed by a Devolution White Paper. The LCRCA has reiterated its priorities, including the rollout of a Rapid Transit Network, co-developing a Liverpool-Manchester Northern Powerhouse Rail solution, and securing funding for the Liverpool Central Station Gateway. Further rail devolution and a public ownership model for Merseyrail are also key objectives.

The Department for Transport has reviewed its funding for the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), prioritising maintenance of the existing strategic road network over new roadbuilding. Savings are expected from the cancellation of two enhancement schemes in the East Midlands, with limited impact on the LCR.

Mersey Ferries Update

An update on the Mersey Ferries service highlighted the progress of the new vessel, Royal Daffodil, which was transferred into LCRCA ownership on 29 May 2026. This new vessel, the first new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years, represents a £26 million investment and is designed for leisure, cruise, and event operations, as well as cross-river travel. It features advanced diesel-electric propulsion and has undergone extensive training for bridge and engineering crews. Royal Daffodil is planned to enter passenger service in October 2026, following certification.

The existing fleet continues to operate while undergoing maintenance. Snowdrop has benefited from an enhanced maintenance programme to extend its operational life, with further investment planned after Royal Daffodil enters service. Royal Iris of the Mersey was withdrawn from service in March 2026. Investment in piers and terminals at Seacombe, Woodside, and the Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal is ongoing to support the future fleet and accessibility. Mersey Ferries serves around half a million passengers annually, with customer feedback remaining positive. The new vessel is expected to grow passenger numbers and income.

Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

The committee considered a report proposing amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws 2003. The current byelaws are outdated and require updating to align with current legislation, safety standards, and operational practices. The proposed amendments aim to enhance safety, strengthen enforcement, improve operational efficiency, and ensure legal compliance. Key changes include updated definitions, revised speed limits, new regulations for vehicle recovery, and updated restrictions on dangerous goods. The committee was asked to endorse the draft byelaws and the proposed approach to formal public consultation.

Accessible Bus Stop Design Guidance

A report presented new design guidance for accessible bus stops and walking and wheeling routes in the Liverpool City Region. The guidance, developed by consultants Project Centre, updates existing standards from 2007 to reflect current practice and technological advancements. Extensive stakeholder engagement, including workshops with statutory services, bus operators, and disability groups, informed the development of the guidance. The committee endorsed the guidance documents and recommended their adoption by all six local authorities in the Liverpool City Region.