Passengers across England will benefit from significant savings as the government introduces a £3 national bus fare cap, set to remain in place until the end of 2025. This £150 million
investment, part of the government’s Plan for Change, will help save up to 80% on some routes and keep bus travel affordable.
Fare cap takes effect
Starting today (1 January 2025), single fares on eligible bus routes will be capped at £3, saving passengers hundreds of pounds annually. This intervention prevents a sharp rise in ticket prices that would have occurred had previous funding expired at the end of 2024.
Passengers reliant on buses in rural areas and towns will benefit most, with routes like Leeds to Scarborough seeing fares reduced from £15 to £3, a staggering 80% saving. While fares between £2 and £3 may increase slightly due to inflation, many local authorities and Metro Mayors, such as Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester) and Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), have committed to keeping fares below £3.
Government commitment to public transport
The fare cap is part of a broader government effort to enhance public transportation, including £955 million allocated to improve bus service frequency and reliability. Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood emphasized the importance of affordable bus travel for boosting growth, supporting communities, and enhancing opportunities.
Simon Lightwood, said: “Buses are vital to help people get to work, the doctor, or see their friends and family – they boost growth, support communities, and provide opportunity.
That’s why we’re stepping in to make sure fares are capped at the lowest point possible, saving people up to 80% on travel and ensuring that our buses continue to be an attractive, affordable way to get around.
As we rebuild Britain with our Plan for Change, this £150 million investment is just the beginning. Our Bus Services Bill is currently passing through Parliament and will hand power back to local authorities to choose how they want to run their local buses – giving them greater control over fares, routes, and timetables”.
Legislative reforms for better services
In addition to the fare cap, the government is progressing the Bus Services Bill, introduced in December 2024. This legislation aims to empower local authorities by allowing them to establish bus companies and franchises. These changes will give communities greater control over fares, routes, and schedules, enabling tailored solutions for local transport needs.
The move comes amid a decades-long decline in bus services, with the number of miles driven by buses falling by around 300 million since 2010. The government’s initiatives aim to reverse this trend, restoring reliable and affordable bus services while ensuring accountability.
Key savings for passengers
Under the new cap, some of the most notable savings include:
- Newcastle to Middlesbrough: Fare reduced from £8.00 to £3.00, a 63% saving.
- Hull to York: Fare reduced from £8.50 to £3.00, a 65% saving.
- Leeds to Scarborough: Fare reduced from £15.00 to £3.00, an 80% saving.
Shaping the future of public transport
Buses remain the most-used form of public transport in England. However, years of cuts have frustrated passengers. The government’s £150 million investment and the upcoming Bus Services Bill are steps to restore trust and provide communities with efficient, affordable bus networks.
This intervention ensures that millions can continue to travel affordably while empowering local authorities to design transport solutions that meet their unique needs. As part of the government’s Plan for Change, it promises a brighter future for public transport in England. Photo by ceridwen, Wikimedia commons.