Thousands now qualify for free bus travel under new plans

The Department for Transport has announced a new £3 million funding boost to help local areas take control of their bus networks, with councils already rolling out free travel schemes, £1 fares and brand new routes.

The changes are part of a wider “bus revolution” aimed at cutting costs for passengers and improving access, especially in rural and lower-income areas where transport options have been limited.

Six mayoral authorities including Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority will benefit from the latest funding as they move towards a franchised system, similar to Bee Network.

Where free and cheaper bus travel is already happening

Local authorities are already using government funding to introduce eye-catching fare cuts and free travel schemes:

• In Barnsley, under-18s can travel completely free for two years, removing the cost of school and college journeys
• In the North East, fares for under-21s have been cut to as little as £1
• In Liverpool, the £2 fare cap remains in place alongside new express routes
• In parts of England, children’s fares have been frozen at £1 until 2029

At the same time, new routes are reconnecting areas that previously had no bus services at all. In Norfolk, a new link between Great Yarmouth, Caister and Norwich is connecting rural communities to jobs and education for the first time.

What the changes mean for passengers

Ministers say the investment is already delivering cheaper, more frequent and better connected services, with more improvements expected as local leaders gain greater control over routes and pricing.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with record government funding supporting new services, including to rural communities and discounted ticket offers.”

He added: “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.”

Transport groups say the reforms could transform everyday travel, making buses more accessible and affordable for millions.

The 6 authorities benefitting from today’s (13 April 2026) tranche of £3 million 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

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Urban Transport Group director Jason Prince said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport system… local areas are investing in bus services like never before.”

And Bus Users UK chief executive Lydia Horbury added: “Buses are a lifeline for millions… this investment is a positive step toward creating a more integrated and affordable transport system.”

With more than £3 billion committed to bus funding between 2026 and 2029, officials say further fare cuts, free travel schemes and new routes are likely to follow.