Liverpool City Region Moves to Bring Merseyrail Under Public Ownership

Mayor Steve Rotheram unveils plans to take direct control of the rail network, creating a fully integrated public transport system across the city region.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is preparing to bring Merseyrail into public ownership, marking another major step in its wider ambition to create a fully integrated transport network spanning rail, buses, ferries, cycling and future rapid transit services.

Under proposals due to be considered by the Combined Authority, responsibility for operating Merseyrail services would transfer into public control when the current concession agreement expires in 2028.

If approved, the move would end the existing operating model in favour of a locally controlled railway managed as part of a broader regional transport strategy.

Building One Connected Transport Network

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says the proposal is about more than changing who operates the railway.

Instead, it forms part of a long-term vision to create a transport system where passengers experience buses, trains, ferries and active travel as a single, seamless network rather than separate services.

The Mayor believes greater local control would allow timetables, ticketing and investment decisions to be coordinated more effectively while ensuring transport policy is shaped around the needs of residents rather than commercial contracts.

"People don't think in terms of buses, trains or ferries—they simply want a transport network that gets them where they need to go quickly, affordably and reliably. Bringing our railway into public control allows us to plan the entire network as one connected system."

Latest Step in a Wider Transport Transformation

The proposed transfer follows a series of major transport investments made across the Liverpool City Region during recent years.

These include:

• More than £500 million invested in a new publicly owned Merseyrail train fleet.

• The opening of new stations at Maghull North and Headbolt Lane.

• Plans for four additional railway stations.

• The phased introduction of a publicly controlled bus network.

• Expansion of tap-and-go ticketing across the region.

• Continued investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.

• Development of proposals for a new rapid transit system.

• Plans for a replacement Mersey Ferry.

Together, these projects are intended to create a more integrated transport network linking communities with employment, education and leisure opportunities.

Greater Freedom Over Investment

Supporters of the proposals argue that bringing rail operations under public control would provide greater flexibility when planning future improvements.

Rather than operating within the constraints of a concession agreement, the Combined Authority believes it would be able to reinvest more revenue directly into services, strengthen connections between transport modes and align investment decisions with wider economic development priorities.

The approach reflects a growing trend towards greater regional control of public transport, with several city regions pursuing integrated transport models following recent devolution agreements.

Building on a Strong Existing Railway

Unlike many rail reform programmes, the proposals do not arise from concerns over service performance.

Merseyrail is widely regarded as one of Britain's highest-performing urban rail networks, regularly achieving strong punctuality and customer satisfaction figures.

Instead, the focus is on governance rather than operational performance—using public ownership as a mechanism to better integrate rail with the wider transport network.

Decision Expected Ahead of 2028

If the Combined Authority endorses the proposal, detailed planning will continue over the next two years before the existing operating concession concludes in 2028.

The move would represent another significant milestone in the evolution of devolved transport policy in England, reinforcing the Liverpool City Region's ambition to manage an integrated, locally controlled transport system designed around passenger needs rather than organisational boundaries.

For Mayor Steve Rotheram, the proposal is the latest chapter in a wider programme of transport reform aimed at creating what he describes as "one network, one vision" for the 1.6 million people who live and work across the Liverpool City Region.