The UK government is investing over 1 billion GBP to support bus services nationwide, with an emphasis on rural areas and smaller towns.
Included in this funding, 151 million GBP will support England’s single bus fare cap, which will increase from 2 GBP to 3 GBP at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, an additional 925 million GBP has been allocated for the 2025-2026 financial year to enhance services, introduce new routes, and protect essential bus routes in local communities.
This package supports the government’s efforts to address disparities in service quality across the country and promote growth by improving access to job and education opportunities.
This announcement precedes the anticipated Buses Bill, set to be introduced later this parliamentary session, which will further empower local authorities to develop integrated bus networks.
The Bill will enable local authorities to replicate successful public control models like Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, which has increased passenger numbers by 5% since its implementation.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:
Buses are the engines of economic opportunity across the country. We know that reliable, affordable bus services are vital to keeping Britain moving. That’s why the government will cap fares at £3 for an additional year and provide over £1 billion to deliver better bus services. This will avoid a cliff-edge at the end of this year and keep fares affordable across the country – improving access to opportunities, particularly in towns and rural areas, while offering value for the taxpayer.
Our bus revolution will give every community the power to take back control of their services, end the postcode lottery of services and turn the page on 4 decades of failed deregulation.
