Good evening. Today, 10th June 2026, I visited Liverpool to try out some of the new Electroliners operated by Stagecoach for Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which is officially launching in St Helens in September 2026. The Combined Authority is also launching on the Wirral, with Go Northwest taking over the majority of services currently run by Stagecoach, Arriva Merseyside, and A2B Travel. I had the opportunity to sample a couple of the units today on the 86 and 82 routes operated by Stagecoach.

Stepping onto the lower deck of the new Metro buses, one of the first things that stood out to me was the layout. It is certainly different from the majority of buses currently operating across Liverpool City Region and the wider UK. The bus features two dedicated wheelchair spaces, which is a welcome improvement, as most buses traditionally provide just a single wheelchair bay alongside a buggy area. On these new vehicles, one section can be shared between wheelchairs and buggies, while a second area is reserved exclusively for wheelchair users. This creates a much more flexible and inclusive environment for passengers with varying accessibility needs.

The new Wrightbus-built Metro fleet has clearly been designed with accessibility and passenger comfort in mind. Alongside the spacious interior, the buses are equipped with clear next-stop displays and audible announcements, making journeys easier for passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or partially sighted. The modern interior design, improved lighting, and enhanced information systems give the buses a contemporary feel that is a noticeable step forward from some of the older vehicles currently operating in the region. Based on my first impressions, these buses represent a significant investment in making public transport across the Liverpool City Region more accessible, user-friendly, and welcoming for everyone.

When the new Metro buses first entered service, they were primarily allocated to routes 86, 86C and 82, operating between Liverpool ONE Bus Station and Liverpool South Parkway. These routes were an ideal choice for the launch of the new fleet, as they serve some of the busiest transport corridors in the Liverpool City Region. Along the way, the buses connect Liverpool city centre with major destinations including the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool John Lennon Airport via connecting services, residential areas in south Liverpool, and the important rail and bus interchange at Liverpool South Parkway. With high passenger numbers throughout the day, these routes provide an excellent showcase for the new vehicles, allowing large numbers of passengers to experience the improved accessibility features, modern passenger information systems, and enhanced comfort offered by the new Wrightbus-built Metro fleet.

Taking a closer look at the new Metro buses, there are plenty of features that help them stand out from the vehicles they are replacing. The interior has a modern and welcoming feel, with comfortable high-backed seats finished in an attractive striped moquette design that gives the buses a distinctive identity. The bright, spacious layout and contemporary styling make the passenger environment feel much more up to date, creating a pleasant atmosphere whether you’re travelling a few stops or making a longer journey across the city region.

Technology is another area where the new fleet excels. Each bus is equipped with onboard audio-visual passenger information systems, providing both spoken announcements and clear digital displays throughout the journey. These screens show the next stop, final destination, and other useful travel information, making journeys easier for both regular passengers and those unfamiliar with the route. In addition, every seat is fitted with both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, allowing passengers to keep their phones, tablets, and other devices powered up while travelling. Combined with the improved accessibility features and modern design, these additions help create a much more comfortable and convenient travel experience for everyone on board.

“We’re gearing up for the biggest change to our region’s bus network in more than 40 years. As services come back under local control, the foundations are already being put in place to create a cleaner, more accessible and more reliable network designed around the needs of passengers rather than operators.”

“This transformation is about much more than new buses. From electric buses and battery-powered trains to a brand-new Mersey Ferry, we’re investing in a modern, integrated transport network that will serve communities across the Liverpool City Region for generations to come.”

From Metro Mayor – Steve Rotherham

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience riding on these brand new buses. If you’ve had the chance to ride them, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Personally, I really like them, and they certainly stand out from the crowd! I prefer the livery on these new Metro buses compared to the rather plain yellow on the Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester, which Andy Burnham chose. I really hope that Steve Rotherham does a good job managing the buses here in Merseyside and hopefully brings the trains back into public ownership by 2028 when the current contract is set to end.

In September, St Helens will be the first to join the new Public Ownership scheme, followed by Wirral in October. The scheme is planned to take place over the next two years and is expected to be fully completed by 2030. With electric buses operating on all routes in Liverpool and regular diesel buses on the Wirral, this marks a significant change from the Thatcher era when the old corporation buses were sold to private firms like Arriva, Stagecoach, and First Bus, among others. Thank you so much for reading my blog, do please consider Subscribing so you don’t miss my next post!