Most Bus Fares In England To Be Capped At £2 From January, PM Andy Burnham Announces

Most bus fares in England to be capped at £2 from January, PM Andy Burnham announces Most single bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January 1, 2027, under a new government scheme announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as part of a broader package of measures aimed at easing the cost of living.

The nationwide fare cap will replace the current £3 maximum single fare, which is due to remain in place until the end of March 2027. The new £2 limit will apply throughout 2027 and is expected to reduce the cost of many bus journeys by up to one-third. Areas with lower existing fares, including London and Greater Manchester, will continue to operate their own pricing arrangements. Announcing the policy, Burnham said affordable public transport was essential and that no one should be “priced out” of getting to work, education, healthcare or leisure activities. He said the measure would give millions of passengers “breathing space” as households continue to face financial pressures. The government said the scheme will be backed by £454 million in funding, with additional support available to devolved administrations should they choose to introduce similar initiatives. Ministers say the policy is intended to encourage greater use of public transport while helping people manage everyday expenses. The £2 cap is one of the first major domestic policy announcements by Burnham since becoming prime minister. It follows a pledge to make tackling the cost-of-living crisis a central priority of his government, alongside other measures including the planned removal of VAT on household electricity bills.