LCRCA’s bus-franchising model requires a fleet that will provide excellent customer service aligned to its decarbonisation strategy. Timely fleet procurement and integrating the fleet workstream into the wider franchising procurement were core requirements.
Fast facts
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) covers Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and the Wirral
Over 400,000 journeys are taken by bus every day, more than 80% of public transport usage in the region
LCRCA are introducing bus franchising to enable greater control over fares, routes, and timetables — so services are operated in the interest of local people, with surplus profit reinvested into improving them
The challenge
Bus franchising is a key part of LCRCA’s wider vision for a fully integrated, London-style public transport system that’s quicker, simpler, and more affordable.
The introduction of franchising is a complex process with many interfaces –resourcing constraints creates challenges for the authority on providing sufficient in-house expertise. LCRCA required experienced, knowledgeable advisors who could adequately support the introduction of a bus-franchising fleet.
How we helped
The critical support we provided to the authority included documentation for franchise procurement, including review of initial bidder documents, and fleet procurement: an initial c.220 vehicles, and further procurement of c. 400 vehicles. We also supported on the development of LCRCA’s decarbonisation strategy. The work required extensive collaboration to ensure all stakeholder views are considered and differing workstream inputs are incorporated.
The results
The first phase of the franchise operator procurement has been successfully completed, and we also supported other workstreams to develop their own processes.
We’ll continue supporting LCRCA on further phases of the bus franchising programme, including the procurement of more vehicles.
