Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says he has found the extra cash to continue funding the £2 bus fare cap in Liverpool city region despite the Government stopping funding. Tony McDonough reports
Bus passengers in Liverpool city region will continue to see single fares capped at £2 until at least September 2025.
In last week’s Budget Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the £2 fare cap would increase to £3 across the country from this month. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham immediately said he would continue to fund the cap.
Now Liverpool city region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has followed suit. Funding for the original cap came from the region’s Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) settlement from the Government.
Last week the Mayor told LBN he was still looking at ways of retaining the £2 cap. The Combined Authority told LBN: “The continuation of the £2 fare cap will be funded using part of the budget set aside for the transition to a fully-franchised bus service for the region.”
Since its introduction, more passengers than ever have enjoyed cheaper journeys – including savings on cross-river services. The £2 fare cap has transformed buses from being the most expensive to the least expensive way to cross the River Mersey.
Bus travel is the most popular form of public transport in the Liverpool city region, accounting for more than 80% of all journeys made every day. More than 1.6m £2 tickets are bought every month.
Mr Rotheram said: “Affordable and reliable bus services are key to ensuring that everyone, no matter their income or background, can get to work, access education, or simply enjoy all that our region has to offer.
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“When I was re-elected I made a commitment to keep bus fares in the region as low as possible, and I’m proud to deliver on that commitment.
“Nationally we’re currently operating in a really challenging financial context with the mess inherited from the previous government, but by saving the £2 cap we’re really demonstrating the power of devolution.
“It gives us the freedom to take bold action, ensuring that the decisions we make are directly driven by the needs and priorities of the people who live here.”