Seven new Treka CitySprint buses are entering service across Liverpool City Region as the Combined Authority begins the rollout of its new franchised bus network.

Treka Bus has delivered seven British-built CitySprint buses to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), with three allocated to St Helens and four to the Wirral.

The St Helens franchise became the first phase of the new network to go live on 6 September, with the Wirral set to follow on 25 October before franchising is extended across the wider Liverpool City Region.

Designed and manufactured at Treka’s facility in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, CitySprint is a purpose-built low-floor bus developed for local bus services, community transport and demand-responsive operations.

Built around Liverpool City Region

The Liverpool City Region vehicles were developed through close collaboration between Treka, LCRCA, operators and end users.

Treka’s engineering team worked directly with the customer throughout the project, tailoring the vehicles around local operating requirements and combining the technology, accessibility and passenger experience associated with a larger bus within a compact and efficient platform.

With LCRCA able to visit Treka’s Brighouse factory and see the vehicles progressing through production, feedback could be incorporated throughout the build.

Richard Matthews, National Sales Director at Treka Bus, said:

“Seeing these British-built buses entering service in Liverpool City Region is something the whole Treka team can be proud of. It has been a genuinely collaborative project, with LCRCA working directly with our team throughout the build. It’s also a great example of the value of British bus manufacturing, combining UK skills and engineering with the parts, technical support and aftercare operators need throughout the life of the vehicle.”

Compact buses for local services

Three CitySprint buses are operating in St Helens with Stagecoach, replacing older minibus types previously used on the service.

The four Wirral vehicles will be operated by Go-Ahead when the second phase of franchising launches on 25 October. They will operate on routes where larger buses are less suitable, helping LCRCA extend modern, accessible bus services into more communities.

James Rowlands, Fleet Lead (Franchising) for LCRCA, commented:

“These vehicles have been selected for routes where the size and flexibility of CitySprint can make a real difference. Three are now operating with Stagecoach in St Helens, replacing older minibus types previously used on the service. The four Wirral vehicles will be operated on our behalf by Go-Ahead when the next phase launches. They will serve a network of routes where larger buses are not suitable, helping us bring modern, accessible buses into more communities. Working directly with Treka throughout the build has meant we could see the vehicles taking shape, involve the people who will operate them and make sure the final product works for drivers, operators and, most importantly, passengers.”

Designed for modern passenger transport

The CitySprint has been developed around the everyday demands of modern passenger transport, combining compact dimensions and efficient operation with the accessibility, comfort and technology passengers increasingly expect from a modern bus.

The Liverpool vehicles feature low-floor access, wheelchair provision, priority seating and carefully positioned handrails and passenger supports.

Integrated audible and visual next-stop information, stop-request systems and an induction loop for hearing-aid users further support an inclusive passenger environment.

Passenger heating and air conditioning provide year-round comfort, while a dedicated driver safety cab offers additional protection while maintaining the visibility and passenger interaction required in regular service.

British-built and backed in Britain

Treka’s support continues throughout the working life of the vehicle. Every CitySprint is backed by Treka’s comprehensive 7-year conversion warranty, alongside UK-based parts support, technical expertise and aftercare, giving operators direct access to the people behind the product.

The Liverpool City Region project also demonstrates the wider value of British bus manufacturing, supporting skilled jobs, strengthening domestic supply chains and keeping engineering expertise and vehicle support close to UK operators.

Find out more about the Treka CitySprint and how it can support local bus, rural, DRT and community transport operations.