Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram extends £2 bus fare cap across Liverpool city region despite national fare cap already having risen to £3. Tony McDonough reports
Bus users across Liverpool city region will continue to pay fares of no more than £2 per journey until at least the end of the year.
Funded by the Government, the £2 fare cap was introduced for local bus services across the UK. However, in November 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the cap would rise to £3.
In Liverpool city region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram announced the £2 cap would remain in place until this month. On Wednesday he revealed that he had further extended it until the end of 2025.
He says that 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.
“I promised that we’d cap fares for three years, not only have we done that, we’ve been able to extend this even further,” he explained.
“By keeping bus fares capped at £2 until the end of 2025, we’re making sure that people can continue to get to work, school, and appointments without worrying about rising travel costs.
“At a time when many other parts of the country are seeing fares increase, we’re choosing to do things differently here in Liverpool city region – making public transport more affordable, fairer, and better for everyone.
“And with the busy — and often expensive — Christmas period around the corner, I’m glad this decision will give families a little extra breathing space too.”
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Bus travel is the most popular form of public transport in Liverpool city region, accounting for more than 80% of all journeys made every day.
For young people, the MyTicket fare cap allows unlimited all-day bus travel for £2.20. Earlier this year, the Mayor also introduced a free travel pass for care leavers aged 18–21.
In August the Combined Authority also introduced its tap and go smart ticketing system on Merseyrail allowing passengers to tap in and out with a MetroCard without having to buy a ticket. Later this year people will be able to use bank cards and smartphones.