The Liverpool City Region has completed the electrification of the Gillmoss bus depot, creating charging capacity for more than 100 battery-electric buses and establishing the facility as a key operational hub for the region’s expanding zero-emission public transport network.
The depot, operated by Stagecoach, serves routes across Liverpool and Knowsley and will play a central role in supporting the deployment of publicly owned electric buses throughout the city region.
Depot Upgrades Support Fleet Expansion
The electrification project forms part of a broader programme to introduce 108 battery-electric buses that began entering service in the Liverpool City Region earlier this year.
The vehicles are being supplied by British bus manufacturers Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus and are capable of travelling up to 275 miles (442 kilometres) on a single charge.
In addition to charging infrastructure, the depot modernisation included upgrades to engineering and maintenance facilities as well as training programmes aimed at preparing local technicians and engineers to service battery-electric vehicles.
High-Power Charging Infrastructure Installed
The multimillion-pound project was delivered through a partnership involving the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Scottish Power Energy Networks, charging infrastructure provider VEV, Stagecoach and Liverpool City Council.
Work included the installation of upgraded grid connections and high-power smart charging systems capable of fully charging a double-decker electric bus in as little as 90 minutes.
The enhanced infrastructure is intended to support the long-term operation of the region’s growing electric bus fleet while helping reduce transport-related emissions.
Linked to Public Transport Reform
The depot investment is closely aligned with plans to bring bus services back under public control through a franchising system across the Liverpool City Region.
The first phase of the transition is scheduled to begin in September 2026 in St Helens and Wirral. Bus services in Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton are expected to move to the franchised model by the end of 2027.
Under the new system, local authorities will have greater control over routes, fares and service standards.
Preparing for a New Bus Network
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said the depot upgrades form part of wider preparations for the region’s planned transformation of bus services.
“We’re gearing up for the biggest change to our region’s buses in more than 40 years. Behind the scenes, we’ve been doing the work to make sure everything is ready to deliver it.”
“When we take back control of services later this year, we’ll already have the foundations in place to deliver a network shaped around passengers – with plans in motion to provide a cleaner, more accessible and more reliable fleet that is fit for the future.”
The completion of the Gillmoss project marks another step in Liverpool’s efforts to modernise public transportation while supporting broader goals related to decarbonisation, air quality improvement and sustainable urban mobility.