National bus fares to be capped at £2 until 31 October, then £2.50 until November 2024

Bus fares on the 464 will remain at £2 until 31 October

The national £2 bus fare cap is to be extended to 31 October, meaning passengers can continue to save on single bus tickets, helping them travel more affordably to education, work and medical appointments.

The national cap will have no impact on the Bee Network single fares cap introduced in Greater Manchester in September last year, but will mean that fares for journeys to places outside of Greater Manchester (eg Whitworth, Rawtenstall or Walsden) will be no more than £2.

Fares will then be capped at £2.50 until 30 November 2024 – when the government will review their effectiveness and future bus fares.

The national £2 scheme, which began in January this year, has already seen an uptick in passenger numbers.

The move is part of the government’s Help for Households initiative to support people through the increased cost of living, and will particularly benefit those on lower incomes who take nearly three times as many bus trips than those on higher incomes.

During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels, and while passenger levels have recovered to around 85 to 90%, the fare cap aims to encourage people back on the bus which can help reduce congestion and emissions. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “By extending the £2 fare cap, we’re making sure bus travel remains accessible and affordable for everyone, while helping to ease cost of living pressures.

“Buses connect our communities and play a vital role in growing the economy; they transport people to work, take our kids to school and make sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments.

“That’s why we’re determined to protect local routes and encourage more people onto the bus, ensuring people can get around easily and in an affordable way.” 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on these vital services every day. 

“That’s why we’re investing half a billion pounds to help people save money amid cost-of-living pressures and continue to level up transport in all parts of the country, doing our bit to help halve inflation and grow the economy.”  

Bus fare caps are also available across major cities and local authorities, such as in Greater Manchester and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, thanks to the £1 billion in Bus Service Improvement Plans funding.