The government has committed a further 3 million GBP to supporting a set of 6 mayoral authorities in their establishment of bus franchising efforts across England.
Councils throughout the country are choosing to implement a number of new benefits for passengers, including 1 GBP fares for those 21 and under and new bus routes connecting rural villages.
The government’s latest commitment will see funds granted to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; North East Combined Authority; West Yorkshire Combined Authority; South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; West Midlands Combined Authority; and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
In Liverpool, councils are currently on course to franchise the city region’s services by the end of 2027, and have maintained its 2 GBP fare cap alongside the introduction of a new express service to the City Centre. Elsewhere, in the West of England, a 1 GBP fare cap for children has been extended until spring 2029.
In Norfolk, a new bus service has been introduced between Great Yarmouth and Caister into Norwich, which serves a number of rural villages that previously had no bus routes into the city itself. Meanwhile, in Barnsley, all those under the age of 18 will receive free travel for the next 2 years.
All of the aforementioned schemes have thus far been made possible via government investment through the Local Authority Bus Grant between 2026 and 2029.
Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with record government funding supporting new services, including to rural communities and discounted ticket offers, alongside our 3 GBP fare cap.
Meanwhile, today marks a major milestone on our journey towards better buses. Our 3 million GBP funding boost will help mayors take a step closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take control of their buses to deliver for the thousands of people who rely on bus travel in their regions.
