Millions of bus passengers across the country will benefit from cheaper fares, new routes and better services due to an increase in government funding.
There are currently six mayoral combined authorities in England that are transitioning to franchised bus networks, inspired by the success of the ‘Bee Network’ in Manchester. To help with this transition, the government is providing £3million of funding, with £500,000 going towards each Combined Authority.
The areas confirmed for the adoption of franchising are: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority; South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; the North East Combined Authority; the West Midlands Combined Authority; and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Combined authorities in these areas are receiving this government funding in order to develop potential new service patterns or fares initiatives, according to the Department for Transport (DfT), with local leaders being encouraged to spend it on areas where passengers will directly benefit from. From £1 fares for those aged 21 and under, to new bus routes connecting villages, the investment of this funding will result in a more affordable, frequent and connected bus network – especially for those in rural parts of the country.
This additional funding, as well as the already confirmed Local Authority Bus Grant allocations and Bus Services Act provisions, will help to bring forward the future of bus reform, with communities across the UK experiencing higher quality bus services.