The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a £3 million funding boost to help six mayoral authorities set up bus franchising and improve travel for passengers across England.
It said the support will help local leaders shape services around their communities and deliver a modern, passenger-focused network.
The six authorities benefitting from the 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
Local authorities are already using government funding to introduce schemes such as discounted and free fares, as well as new services to previously unserved rural areas.
For example, 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.
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.
In Barnsley, all those aged under 18 are receiving free travel for the next two years.
Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “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.”
