Andy Burnham: Readers react to new PM's bus fare cap

Under previous PM Keir Starmer, the government had increased the cap to £3 in 2024 as part of a proposed £1 billion investment to ‘protect vital bus routes’.

We asked our readers what they made of the move – and whether it would make them more likely to catch the bus in the future.

Christine Mianowski rather emphatically said: “YEEESSSSS! Parking is so expensive….and can go to lunch and have a glass of wine….”

Sue Llandudno commented: “If it only costs £2 to get to Brighton next year, definitely.”

PW Matt added: “Good stuff! A move in the right direction!”

However, some Herald readers called for their local bus services to improve before they would consider using them more often.

Leah Strange and Ric Rab offered their scepticism at how the policy will be funded, with both concerned it will come out of the taxpayer’s pocket.

Mr Burnham said new policies, including a pledge to end rough sleeping and a VAT cut on electricity bills, will be funded by "re-prioritising" the government's budget.

Jenni Sharp noted that the £2 cap was introduced by the Conservative government in 2022 in the wake of the Covid.

John Byrne claimed he ‘won’t get on a bus’ until January, when the policy takes effect.

Nicola Ceesay said: “We need the cost of living help now, not January. The savings need to be of immediate effect.”

For some, the change will make little difference. On whether the policy would make her catch the bus more, Julie Harmer said: “No, I have a bus pass.”

Nick Jolly added: "Won't make any difference to me as taking the bus to where I need to go locally takes too long. A 10 minute trip each way in the car can take an hour each way by bus.”