- government is continuing to invest in better bus services,
with a new £3 million boost to help areas transition to a
franchised bus model, ensuring buses work better for the people
who rely on them every day
- local authorities are already using record government funding
to introduce schemes such as discounted and free fares, as well
as new services to previously unserved rural areas
- alongside the government's biggest reform to buses in a
generation, the support will help local leaders shape services
around their communities and deliver a modern, passenger‑focused
network
Millions of bus passengers across England are benefitting from
cheaper fares, new routes and better services as local
authorities are putting government funding to work in their
communities.
With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to play a part in
people's everyday lives, local authorities are stepping up to
make buses work better for everyone, reducing the burden on
households.
Support comes as the government commits a further £3 million to
better buses, supporting 6 mayoral authorities to set up bus
franchising, building on the success of the Bee Network in
Greater Manchester.
The 6 authorities benefitting from today's (13 April 2026) £3
million funding package are:
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- North East Combined Authority
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- West Midlands Combined Authority
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
From £1 fares for those 21 and under in the north-east, to brand
new bus routes connecting rural Norfolk villages for
the very first time, councils across the country are
choosing to invest in the journeys that matter most to people's
daily lives.
Liverpool City Region, which is on course to franchise its
services by the end of 2027, has maintained its £2 bus fare cap
and introduced new express services to Liverpool City Centre,
while in the West of England, the £1 fare cap for children has
been extended until Spring 2029, helping families with the cost
of living.
Meanwhile, in Norfolk, a new bus service has been introduced
between Great Yarmouth and Caister into Norwich, serving several
rural villages previously without a bus route into the city. This
transformative new route is connecting isolated communities with
jobs and education, showing the government's commitment to
breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Many authorities are choosing to make travel completely free, and
in Barnsley, all those aged under 18 are receiving free travel
for the next 2 years, meaning young people don't have to pay a
penny as part of the school or college commute.
These schemes are all backed by the government, with more than £3
billion invested through the Local Authority Bus Grant between
2026 and 2029 – money that local leaders can spend on the things
passengers actually need.
The result is a network that is becoming more affordable,
frequent and connected, particularly for those in rural and less
affluent areas who have for too long been left with no viable
alternative.
Roads and Buses Minister, , said:
It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with
record government funding supporting new services, including to
rural communities and discounted ticket offers, alongside our £3
fare cap.
Meanwhile, today marks a major milestone on our journey towards
better buses. Our £3 million funding boost will help mayors
take a step closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take
control of their buses to deliver for the thousands of people who
rely on bus travel in their regions.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:
Buses are the backbone of our public transport system. Local
areas are investing in bus services like never before, with
mayoral combined authorities leading the way in making their bus
networks affordable, accessible and integrated.
This £3 million funding boost, together with the new Bus Service
Act, will unlock the future of bus reform and see local
passengers and communities benefit from better bus services.
Lydia Horbury, CEO
of passenger champions Bus Users UK, said:
Buses are a lifeline for millions and putting passengers at the
heart of the network is the only way to ensure these services
truly thrive. This investment is a positive step toward creating
a more integrated and affordable transport system that works for
the people who use it every day.
Whether it is a young person in Barnsley accessing education for
free or a resident in a rural Norfolk village finally being
connected to their local community, seeing local leaders use this
funding to break down barriers is incredibly welcome.
