A sweeping overhaul of bus services across the country could provide millions of passengers with free travel and cheaper fares as changes gather pace in England.
The Department for Transport has announced a new £3 million investment aimed at helping areas take charge of their bus networks, with local authorities already rolling out no-cost travel, £1 tickets and brand-new services.
These changes are part of a wider bus revolution intended to cut costs for passengers and improve access, especially in rural and deprived areas where transport choices have been limited.
Six mayoral-led authorities, including Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and West Midlands Combined Authority, will receive support from the latest funding as they move towards a franchised system, similar to Bee Network.
Current complimentary and discounted bus schemes in operation
Local authorities are currently using government grants to introduce dramatic fare cuts and free travel options:
In Barnsley, people under 18 can travel for nothing over a two-year period, removing costs for school and college journeys
In the North East, fares for those under 21 have been slashed to just £1
In Liverpool, the £2 cap remains in place alongside newly introduced rapid services
In parts of England, child prices have been fixed at £1 through 2029
At the same time, new routes are connecting communities that previously had no bus provision. In Norfolk, a new link between Great Yarmouth, Caister and Norwich is bringing rural residents to work and education opportunities for the first time.
What the changes mean for passengers
Officials say the investment is already delivering cheaper, more frequent and better-connected services, with further improvements expected as local leaders gain more control over routes and pricing.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood described the current period as an exceptionally exciting time for buses, with unprecedented government funding backing new services, including those serving rural areas and reduced fare schemes.
He explained that the £3 million funding boost would help mayors move closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take control of their buses to serve the thousands who rely on bus travel.
Transport groups have suggested that the reforms could transform everyday commuting, making buses more accessible and affordable for millions.
The six authorities benefiting from today’s portion of the £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, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Urban Transport Group director Jason Prince noted that buses form the backbone of the public transport network and local areas are investing in bus services at unprecedented levels.
Bus Users UK chief executive Lydia Horbury stated that buses provide vital support for millions and this investment marks a positive step towards creating a more unified and affordable transport network.
With over £3 billion committed to bus funding between 2026 and 2029, officials have suggested further fare cuts, free travel schemes and new routes are likely to follow.