Next Stop: Better Bus Services for the Liverpool City Region

Wednesday 08 April 2026

Kelsian is proud to announce its entry into the Liverpool City Region, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s international growth with the award of key bus franchising contracts under the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Tranche 1 program.

Through its UK subsidiary, Huyton Travel Limited, Kelsian has been awarded Category 2 bus service contracts as part of the first tranche of Liverpool’s new franchised bus network. The contracts will commence in January 2027, with an initial five-year term and a two-year extension option, delivering long-term stability and partnership with the LCRCA.

Supporting Communities with Reliable Services

Under the contracts, Huyton Travel will operate and maintain 73 buses from two leased depots, delivering services primarily across Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. Many of the routes will play a vital role in connecting schools and colleges, reinforcing the importance of public transport in supporting education and local communities.

These services form part of Liverpool City Region’s broader transition to a publicly controlled bus network, where routes, fares and timetables will be set by the Combined Authority, with a strong focus on accountability, reliability and customer experience.

A Strong Platform for UK Growth

The contracts are expected to generate approximately $80 million in revenue over the contract term, providing Kelsian with a solid foothold in the UK’s growing franchised bus market.

Kelsian Group CEO Graeme Legh said the contract award reflects the Group’s capability and experience operating in regulated public transport environments around the world.

“Securing this contract under the Liverpool franchising model is a strong endorsement of Kelsian’s capability to operate in complex, regulated markets and reflects the depth of experience we have built across our international portfolio,” Mr Legh said.

“The UK represents a compelling long-term growth opportunity, and this milestone establishes a strong foundation for further expansion as franchised bus networks continue to evolve across regional UK.”

Partnering for Long-Term Success

Kelsian’s UK Managing Director, Samuel Ribeiro, said the award underscores confidence in Kelsian’s operating model and its commitment to local partnerships.

“We are pleased to have been awarded these contracts in Liverpool, which reflect the confidence in our ability to deliver reliable and safe transport solutions,” Mr Ribeiro said.

“We look forward to working in close partnership with the LCRCA to provide a high‑quality service for the communities of the Liverpool City Region.”

Consistent with Kelsian’s global public transport contracts, the LCRCA agreements include revenue indexation mechanisms, helping protect the business from fluctuations in key input costs such as fuel. This approach supports long-term financial sustainability while maintaining service quality.

A Local Legacy, Backed by Global Experience

Huyton Travel brings more than 40 years of local operating history in the region, combined with Kelsian’s international franchising experience through Tower Transit and other global operations. This blend of local knowledge and global expertise positions Kelsian to support Liverpool City Region’s vision for a modern, reliable and customer-focused bus network.

As Liverpool continues its transition to full bus franchising by 2027, Kelsian is proud to play a role in shaping the future of public transport in the region—delivering safe, efficient and dependable services that support communities today and into the future.