Bus passengers in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from fare caps and free travel from the first working week in September under plans announced by mayor Andy Burnham.
Mr Burnham took to Twitter on Wednesday morning (17 August) to announce a series of fare caps and price restraints, which he descibed as a 'glimmer of light in tough times' in reference to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
'We're confirming today that our cap on bus fares will be in place for the start of the first full woring week in September.
- £2 max single fare for adults
- £1 max under-16s
- £5/£2.50 unlimited travle in any day
- Free for all 16-18s.'
Currently there are more than 25 single adult fares that cost more than £2 and over 30 single child fares that cost more than £1.
Mr Burnham said the new pricing would apply across all operators and would be paid for by 'more people using buses'.
'Many are a third or half full at the moment.'
In a statement, Greater Manchester Combined Authority said the new-look bus system will be supported by a package of local and national contributions.
'The move to lower fares is supported by Government funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan. However, the ending of Covid-19 funding in October means the Mayor and GM leaders have had to step in to stabilise the city-region’s bus network by finding funding to save dozens of bus routes and services that were set to be withdrawn or reduced. £135 million of local funding has also been allocated to support the transition to bus franchising.'
The mayor and local council leaders have also agreed to carry out an annual review of the new fare structure to ensure that it is financially sustainable.
From next year, the bus network in Greater Manchester will be brought under local control through the franchising system, under combined authority plans.
Under franchising, the combined authority will co-ordinate the bus network and contract bus companies to run the services. This will enable the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to set prices and decide on routes.
Franchising will be introduced across Greater Manchester in three phases, dividing Greater Manchester into three sub areas (A, B and C).
Sub Area A includes bus services running within and from the north west of Greater Manchester. First services will operate here from 2023.
Sub Area B includes bus services running within and from the north east of Greater Manchester. First services will operate here from 2024.
Sub Area C includes some bus services crossing over from the north east of Greater Manchester as well as services running in the south of Greater Manchester – the south of the Manchester City Council area, Stockport, Trafford and the rest of Salford. First services will operate here from 2025.
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