Mayor announces bus fare cap

Bus passengers across the North East are set to benefit from a new price cap that aims to “make public transport much more affordable” and encourages “more people to use the bus whenever they can”.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has announced a cap on adult bus fares at £2.50 per journey, effective from January, saving passengers at least 50p compared to the Government’s £3 limit. Commercial operators will set prices for shorter journeys below this cap, with fares expected to range from £1.90 to £2.50.

The initiative also preserves the region’s £1 flat fare for passengers aged 21 and under, with plans to maintain this until at least 2028.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I am determined to deliver a green, integrated transport network that works for all – and a huge part of that is making fares cheaper every day to help local people to travel by public transport to college, to their place of work and other opportunities.

“These fares will support local people, helping families across the region save money on transport costs and keep more money in their pocket.

“We have also encouraged local operators to keep fares low generally, and operators will set their prices for shorter journeys below the cap.” 

These measures, alongside all-day Rover tickets, are subsidised by the North East Combined Authority in order to keep travel costs low until December 2025.

Councillor Martin Gannon, lead member for transport and leader of Gateshead Council, added: “The mayor and cabinet have set out to massively improve our bus travel and this is another determined move to make every day public transport use more appealing and affordable for residents.

“This will help us boost the number of people using the bus while making it cheaper.”

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