Greater Manchester Mayor Confirms £2 Bus Fare Cap Extension

Single fares on Greater Manchester’s bus network are set to maintain their £2 cap into 2025, despite a national increase, as confirmed by the city region’s mayor, Andy Burnham. This announcement follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s declaration that England’s single bus fare cap would be raised to £3 in the forthcoming Budget. However, Mr. Burnham stated that fares within the region would remain at the current rate “for the whole of 2025 but subject to a mid-year review”. The mayor’s statement was part of a local fare restructuring, which is integral to an ongoing initiative to bring all of Greater Manchester’s bus services back under public control, operating under the Bee Network branding. Burnham commented: “We will proceed with our plan to introduce a new simpler, flatter fare structure based around a £2 single fare.” He further explained: “This said, it is only by the middle of 2025 when we have completed phase 1 of the Bee Network, and we know the level of government funding we have, that we will be in a position to judge the financial outlook for the new system.” A contactless payment system, mirroring London’s, which includes daily and weekly payment caps, is scheduled for introduction in March, the mayor indicated. Buses in London are also slated to be exempt from the upcoming fare cap increase.