Liverpool has a population of around 439,500 and dominates the large metropolitan area of Merseyside (population of 1.4 million). Merseytravel is the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority and Executive, working in partnership with the five local authorities, including Liverpool City Council. Merseyside has its own suburban rail network and the majority of the bus services operate in a deregulated environment. A new tram service is currently being developed by Merseytravel, with the first of three lines scheduled to open in 2006/7.