The newly-introduced £3 bus fare is “capped at the lowest point possible” according to a government minister who has said buses can “drive up living standards across Yorkshire.”
Introduced from January 1, the bus fare cap in England has been raised by 50 per cent up to £3 for a single journey. The previous £2 cap expired at the end of 2024 meaning without the new £3 cap, prices would have returned to pre-cap levels.
Prior to the bus fare cap being introduced, a journey from Hull to York by bus would cost £8.50. The new £3 bus fare cap lowers the price by 65 per cent, saving passengers £5.50.
The Government put the funding in place for the cap to last until the end of 2025.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Buses are vital to help people get to work, the doctor, or see their friends and family, they boost growth, support communities, and drive up living standards across Yorkshire.
“That’s why we’re stepping in to make sure fares are capped at the lowest point possible, saving people up to 80 per cent on travel and ensuring that our buses continue to be an attractive, affordable way to get around. In Yorkshire and the Humber over 575 commercial routes will benefit from £3 capped fares, including the Leeds to Scarborough route, where passengers will save a huge £12 per journey.
“Local areas can also choose to keep a lower cap with their share of our £85 million bus funding package, as is the case in West Yorkshire.
“As we rebuild Britain with our Plan for Change, this £150 million investment is just the beginning. Our Bus Services Bill is currently passing through Parliament and will hand power back to local authorities to choose how they want to run their local buses, giving them greater control over fares, routes, and timetables.”
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