Maxson Goh reports from Liverpool, where the City Region’s plan for a 2028 bus rapid transit system moved forward with a second trial vehicle
It’s been nearly two decades since we got the Wright StreetCar, or FTR as it was known. Anyone remember that? Those purple tram-like articulated buses from FirstGroup that were once prominently seen in areas such as York and Leeds. Back then, these were branded as the way forward, with FTR reportedly being stylised textspeak for ‘future.’ These were more than just articulated buses masquerading as trams though, as they were set apart by some key differences in design and infrastructure. There were no interactions between passengers and the driver, who had his or her own separate compartment. Instead, tickets were sold either by an on-board conductor or a self-service ticket machine, mimicking a light rail system.
Despite the initial fanfare, FTR didn’t catch on. Two decades later, there’s little trace of such systems across the UK. In fact, the only one I can think of is the Belfast Glider. Despite all this, the Liverpool City Region has plans revisiting that early 2000s vision, with its own next-generation bus rapid transit (BRT) network set to launch by 2028, encompassing a fully operational system that links the city centre, airport and football stadia.
Last year, the region hosted a brief showcase using a Van Hool ExquiCity articulated bus borrowed from Belfast’s Glider fleet. That vehicle was given a temporary Metro livery for static exhibitions and consultation events and did not operate in passenger service. More recently, a second demonstration was held using a different model: an 18-metre articulated Irizar ie tram, supplied directly by the Spanish manufacturer. The vehicle, capable of carrying up to 130 passengers, was again wrapped in the Liverpool City Region’s distinctive yellow Metro branding. It goes without saying that due to the doors being on the wrong side for the UK, no passengers were carried in service this time as well. Instead, a single public consultation was held outside the Liverpool Combined Authority’s office on 23 July.
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