FRANCHISING APPOINTMENT: RTI, AVL & TICKETING

Ticketer appointed RTI, AVL and ticketing supplier for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority bus franchising

  • 13 May 2026
  • 2-minute read
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LCR Combined Authority - Liverpool5GTicketer is excited to announce its appointment as the real-time information (RTI), automatic vehicle location (AVL) and ticketing technology supplier for Liverpool City Combined Region Authority’s (LCRCA) upcoming bus franchising network. 

Delivering franchised bus services in Liverpool

Following a rigorous procurement and consultation process, Ticketer is delighted to be officially appointed as the region’s RTI, AVL and ticketing supplier.

Supporting what will become only the second large-scale bus franchising network outside of London, Ticketer will provide their on-bus TK300 electronic ticket machine, as well as key solutions such as Driver Connect via Smart Applications Management’s (SAM) managed services.

Franchising in the region will be introduced in phases, with the first services operating under the new model in St Helens and Wirral from Autumn 2026. Further areas of the city region will follow, with the full LCRCA bus network planned to operate wholly under franchising by the end of 2027.

Reshaping public transport

Ticketer’s appointment builds on the company’s unique, in-depth experience supporting large-scale franchised networks, having served as AVL and ticketing supplier to Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network since launching in 2023. 

With the company continuing to not just support but help shape the industry as it evolves, regions exploring similar transitions will again look to Ticketer and the Liverpool City Region as examples of how technology and strong partnerships can support the successful delivery of modern, integrated bus networks, that are tailored to unique regional needs. 

Adam Toone, Chief Operating Officer at Ticketer, comments: “We’re incredibly proud to have been appointed as the key technology partner supporting Liverpool City Region’s move to bus franchising.  

Every area has its own priorities and opportunities when delivering franchising, so we’re excited to bring our past experience and knowledge to this partnership while working closely with LCRCA, its operator partners, and SAM, to help define and deliver a modern, reliable and passenger-focused bus network that meets their specific needs.” 

Kara Wood, Head of Franchising at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “The Combined Authority is pleased to be working in partnership with Ticketer to support the delivery of bus franchising. This collaboration focuses on the operational delivery of a reliable and punctual bus service to enhance the passenger experience.”

 

For further information, please contact:

Mercedes Llewellyn
mercedes.llewellyn@ticketer.co.uk