Liverpool City Region Combined Authority orders 58 electric buses, costing more than £30m, from manufacturer Alexander Dennis to come into service in 2026. Tony McDonough reports
Vehicle manufacturer Alexander Dennis has confirmed that Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has placed a multi-million pound order for 58 electric buses.
Due to be in service on Merseyside’s streets in 2026, the Enviro400EV zero-emission buses will be emissions-free, reducing local pollution, and be cheaper to run than conventional diesel vehicles.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says the new fleet will boost his plan to introduce bus franchising in the city region in 2026, bringing buses back under public control for the first time since deregulation in 1986.
These new buses will cost more than £30m. The Combined Authority is contributing £22m with a further £9.4m coming from the Department for Transport.
Local taxpayers and commuters will hope these vehicles will fare better than the fleet of hydrogen buses bought by the CA which have been off the road due to a shortage of hydrogen.
Mr Rotheram said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport network – around 80% of all public transport journeys in our region are taken by bus. But for too long, our communities have been left with a second-class service.
“That’s why we’re taking back control of our buses and putting the public back at the heart of public transport.
“These new, state-of-the-art, all-electric double-deckers are another step towards building the London-style transport system our region deserves – one that’s reliable, affordable, and works for the people it’s meant to serve.”
All 58 buses will be built in Britain, supporting 1,900 UK skilled jobs and more than 60 apprenticeships at Alexander Dennis as well as further employment at the manufacturer’s 8,000 suppliers across the UK.
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Alexander Dennis president and managing director, Paul Davies, said: “We’re honoured to support the team at the Combined Authority and Mayor Steve Rotheram as they work to further improve bus services across Liverpool city region.
“The 58 new Enviro400EV double deckers we’re building will cut out tailpipe emissions and offer passengers a smoother, quieter journey.
“They will also support British jobs and apprenticeships across our own network of facilities as well as in our extensive supply chain, ensuring that public money is reinvested in our economy.”
