Contactless payments go live on Liverpool City Region’s franchised buses

Littlepay’s contactless payment technology powers open-loop payments as Liverpool City Region returns bus services to public control for the first time in four decades.

Contactless payments, processed by Littlepay, are now live on the Liverpool City Region’s first franchised bus services, as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) becomes only the second local authority outside London to introduce bus franchising.

Littlepay already supports contactless payments across much of the region’s bus network, as well as Tap & Go on Merseyrail. Building on this existing footprint provides continuity as LCRCA takes greater control of its bus network and transitions to the new franchised model. 

Littlepay’s multi-operator payment and fare capping capabilities, together with its ability to integrate with different technology partners, could also support LCRCA’s ambition to make journeys simpler and more integrated across the Liverpool City Region.

Phased contactless rollout across franchised services

The launch of contactless open-loop payments began in St Helens on September 6 2026, with an initial deployment across 130 buses. Wirral is set to follow in October, with the rollout expanding progressively across the Liverpool City Region throughout 2027. By September 2027, the technology will be available on more than 850 buses, supporting a bus network that serves around 1.6 million residents.

Enabling acceptance of Visa and Mastercard contactless credit and debit cards and digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, the system provides a convenient way to pay. Passengers don’t need to buy a ticket, they simply tap their card or device when boarding. Kara Wood, Head of Franchising for the Combined Authority, said:

“We want public transport to be as simple and convenient as possible, and contactless payments are a key part of that. It means people can continue to travel with confidence as we roll out our new franchised bus network and move closer to a fully integrated transport system for the Liverpool City Region”.

A modular system design brings flexibility

Littlepay handles payment processing, working alongside Ticketer’s Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) and fare management, and Elavon’s acquiring services. Its platform supports Card Present Transit and Card Present Retail processing, allowing LCRCA to accept everyday contactless transit payments as well as higher-value purchases, such as multiple tickets.

Sarah McLaughlin, Senior Business Development Manager at Littlepay, said:

“Liverpool City Region has a clear ambition to make public transport simpler and more integrated, and payments have an important role to play in that. Littlepay already supports contactless payments across the region’s transport network, so this project builds on that experience and supports LCRCA as it moves into bus franchising. 

Our existing footprint and ability to work across different operators and technology partners provides continuity through a major transformation today, while supporting the region’s wider ambitions for how people travel in the future.” 

Supporting the next phase for Liverpool City Region transport

LCRCA’s transition to franchised bus services gives the authority greater control over routes, fares and timetables, and lays foundations for a more connected transport network.

The contactless rollout demonstrates how existing payments infrastructure and specialist technology partners can smooth that transition, maintaining a familiar payment experience for passengers while the wider network continues to evolve.