Liverpool City Region’s first franchised bus services began operating in and around St Helens on Sunday 6 September 2026, marking the first stage of a programme to bring the region’s bus network under public control.
Under the franchising model, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority controls the relevant network’s routes, fares and timetables rather than leaving those decisions solely to commercial operators.
The St Helens phase includes revised and replacement services, with additional evening and weekend journeys on some routes. A new X3 limited-stop service has also been introduced between St Helens and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
For pre-booked transfers in Liverpool and Manchester, visit Manpool Transfers.
Passengers using most St Helens-area services need to be aware of ticket changes from the launch date. Merseytravel said operator-only Arriva and Stagecoach tickets ceased to be valid on most of those services from 6 September. Metro, multi-operator or new pass products are required instead.
The Department for Transport has announced £86.3 million of support for Liverpool City Region through 2029. The franchising rollout is due to extend to the Wirral later in 2026, followed by the wider Liverpool City Region in 2027.
The St Helens launch is the first stage of a phased programme to bring the Liverpool City Region bus network under public control.
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