Andy Burnham, who recently took office as Prime Minister, has announced a new £2 bus fare cap, reducing fares from £3 starting in January 2027. The Labour leader said the policy would ensure “cheaper travel for millions” across the UK. However, experts have criticised the plan, warning it will primarily benefit city-centre commuters and leave many road users unaffected.
Motoring expert warns of limited impact
Dan Briggs, CEO of Motorfinity, argued that giving up a car and relying on public transport is not realistic for many. “As conversations continue around climate targets, transport policy, and the future of public transit, it's worth remembering the millions of essential workers for whom private motoring isn't a lifestyle choice - it's a necessity,” he said. He pointed to Prison Service staff with average 48-minute commutes and Armed Forces personnel facing nearly an hour on the road, stressing that frontline shift workers cannot simply hop on a £2 bus.
Data shows most people rarely use buses
Previous data from the Department for Transport's National Travel Survey found that around half of people (50%) rarely use a local bus, relying on them less than once a year. Only 23% use a bus at least once a week. The majority of road users drive their own vehicles, with 78% of households having access to at least one car. There are 34 to 36 million cars registered in the UK.
DfT highlights benefits of previous cap
Despite the criticism, the Department for Transport noted that the previous £2 fare cap led to an estimated 30 million more bus journeys over a 10-month period. Officials warned that without a cap, single fares could exceed £10 on some of the UK's most expensive routes. The DfT stressed that the cap will particularly help those in rural and coastal areas where fares are often higher.
