Bus fares across England will be capped at £2 per journey starting in January, announced Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This policy, estimated to cost over £500 million, is intended to provide relief to citizens facing rising living expenses.
The previous government, under Sir Keir Starmer, had raised the national bus fare cap to £3 at the beginning of the prior year, though fares in Liverpool and Manchester remained at £2. Burnham emphasized the importance of affordable transportation, stating that lower fares will assist individuals in reaching their destinations.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted that the fare reduction offers a measure of hope amidst widespread financial strain, exacerbated by increased fuel costs linked to international conflicts. However, she conceded that the cap is "not the whole solution."
The £2 cap will apply to participating bus services outside of London for single journeys. In London, the cost of a standard single bus fare is currently £1.75.
Government officials indicated that the return to a £2 cap is expected to particularly benefit passengers in rural and coastal areas, where single fares can often exceed this amount. The Campaign for Better Transport highlighted that these areas continue to experience a reduction in bus routes and services. Data from the County Councils Network shows that services in rural areas, measured by vehicle miles, decreased by 18% between 2019 and 2024. Michael Solomon Williams of the Campaign for Better Transport stressed the need for the replacement of these diminished services, which have disproportionately affected those in rural communities.