The Liverpool City Region Transport Committee met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to discuss significant issues affecting public transport, including ongoing anti-social behaviour on bus networks and the finalisation of the Local Transport Plan. Key decisions and discussions focused on strategies to combat rising incidents of anti-social behaviour, the feedback received from the public consultation on the Local Transport Plan, and updates on bus franchising.

Anti-Social Behaviour on the Bus Network

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation detailing the escalating problem of anti-social behaviour on the bus network, with contributions from Merseyside Police, Stagecoach, Arriva, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). The committee heard that incidents of anti-social behaviour, particularly those involving young people, have increased, leading to bus operators withdrawing services to protect staff and passengers. This has a direct impact on communities, disrupting access to work, school, and daily life.

Superintendent Charlotte Ayland of Merseyside Police highlighted that in the first quarter of 2026, there were 114 bus-related incidents recorded, the highest in three years. Youth involvement accounted for 41% of these incidents. High-risk behaviours such as emergency exit tampering and bus surfing were noted as growing concerns. Stagecoach's Operations Director, Simon Trammelloni, presented data showing a reduction in overall incidents over the past decade, but acknowledged that certain pinch points and specific service routes, such as the 20 and 21 services operating around Kirby, Northwood, and Tower Hill, experience higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Examples were shared of bricks being thrown at buses, causing significant damage to windscreens and posing a serious risk to drivers and passengers.

Arriva's Head of Service Delivery, Tom Sunley, echoed these concerns, noting a spike in incidents at the end of 2025 and the start of 2026. He detailed specific problematic areas such as Leechcroft Terrace in Stockbridge Village, where gangs of youths have reportedly turned off bus engines and assaulted drivers, leading to some drivers leaving their employment due to fear. The committee was also informed about incidents of attempted arson and bus surfing, a new and concerning trend.

In response to these issues, a multi-agency approach is being employed. This includes the use of a Trojan bus with protective windows for plainclothes police and Travel Safe officers to patrol hotspots, engagement with schools to educate young people about the consequences of their actions, and the introduction of online reporting for incidents. Merseyside Police, through its Travel Safe team, is conducting joint patrols and working with local authorities to identify perpetrators using CCTV. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are being issued to young offenders.

Councillor Janette Williamson raised concerns about the inconvenience to passengers and the need for clearer protocols on when to call the police, suggesting that drivers should not have to make difficult decisions in the moment. Sergeant Robin Ward of Merseyside Police confirmed that officers are clear that any incident occurring should be reported, and that the force is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour on the network.

Discussions also touched upon the need for proactive measures, such as diversionary activities for young people during school holidays, and improved communication with residents when services are cancelled. Arriva is developing a new customer app to provide direct updates on service disruptions. The importance of early engagement with young people, starting in primary school, was repeatedly stressed as a key strategy for long-term prevention.

Finalising the Local Transport Plan

The committee also considered a report on the feedback received from the final round of public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the Liverpool City Region. Huw Jenkins, Lead Officer for Transport Policy, presented the findings, which indicated a mixed response regarding the ambition of the plan's deliverables for 2027-2032. While 37% of respondents agreed the plans were ambitious enough, 45% disagreed.

Key themes emerging from the qualitative comments included a desire for enhanced rail services, such as Merseyrail extensions to the airport and other towns, reopening of disused stations, and improved frequencies, particularly on Sundays. There were also strong calls for a direct rail or tram link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport and for solutions to address freight and port traffic. While there was support for active travel priorities, concerns were raised about the unreliability, infrequency, and poor connectivity of bus services in several areas.

Feedback from Equality Panels and the Youth Combined Authority highlighted the critical importance of personal safety, the need to shift focus from moving traffic to moving people, and the importance of simpler ticketing and payment methods for those who are digitally excluded. The need for robust data collection and co-development of schemes with community members was also emphasised.

The report noted that many of the more ambitious rail-related proposals extend beyond the current funding and delivery timeframes of the £1.6bn Transport for the City Regions programme. However, these will be captured for future planning, particularly for the 2032-2040 period. The move to franchised bus services from autumn 2026 is expected to address issues of disjointed bus services and gaps in network coverage, including to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The committee was informed that the finalised Local Transport Plan would be presented to the Combined Authority for adoption on 17th April 2026.

Bus Franchising Update

A report on the progress of bus franchising was also considered. Jamie Ross, Director of Transport, provided an overview, stating that bus services are being split into 15 contracts. Stagecoach has been awarded the contract for services in St Helens, and Go Ahead for Wirral. Six smaller contracts are due to go live later in the year, with the remaining contracts to be awarded by autumn 2027. The process involves mobilisation, including preparing depots, buses, and the transfer of staff. The new model will see public ownership of the fleet and depots, meaning passengers travelling on franchised services in Wirral and St Helens will be on new buses. Members expressed excitement about the plans and sought reassurance that bus deserts would be addressed and that no passengers would be worse off. The principle of ensuring no passengers are worse off was described as a safety net, with franchise contracts including options for future improvements.

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 29th January 2026. Apologies for absence were noted from several councillors. Public question time addressed issues related to Merseyrail service changes and accessibility.