The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has released images of its new hydrogen-powered bus fleet, which is set to hit the streets in late 2022.
The CGI images offer a preview of the new fleet’s interior, including bigger seats designed for more comfortable passenger experiences.
The order of the new hydrogen-run fleet was confirmed last summer.
The insides of the buses will be decorated with images of iconic regional landmarks.
Other reported upgrades include improved access for wheelchair users, USB charging, reading lights, internet access, audio-visual stop announcements and high-definition screens to offer real-time journey updates to passengers.
The new screens will also offer information concerning onward journeys, as part of the mayor’s plan to better integrate the region’s travel network.
The images’ release closely follows a decision to franchise the bus network in future, marking a reversal of the decision to deregulate the network in the 1980s.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “I’ve got bold ambitions for the future of our region’s bus network and where better to start than bringing the fleet into the 21st century?
“Our new zero-emission hydrogen buses will not only give passengers a clean, green and comfortable way to get about, but they will also act as the trailblazer in our city region’s journey to develop one of the country’s healthiest public transport networks.
“Just like our new trains, these buses have been designed and built for the needs of people in our region in mind and will be publicly owned too.
“Reforming our bus network a key part of my plan for an integrated London-style transport network that makes traveling around our region quick, cheap and reliable – and we’ve recently taken a massive next step towards doing that by agreeing that franchising is our preferred model for running bus services.”
The fleet of 20 buses will be procured via the Liverpool City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund.
Liverpool City Region is currently working towards a net zero by 2040 (at the latest) target, with hydrogen-powered buses as part of this goal. The current fleet is more than 70% low emissions.
Alexander Dennis Limited will supply the vehicles in late 2022 before management of the fleet is taken over by operators Arriva and Stagecoach.
