The UK government has announced that bus fares in England will revert to a £2 cap from January 2025, following a policy reversal by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.The measure, expected to cost over £500m, aims to alleviate living costs and provide financial relief to commuters.The cap will apply to non-London bus routes, while London fares remain at £1.75.The policy reverses a previous increase to £3 under the previous Labour government, which had maintained lower fares in Liverpool and Manchester.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the measure would offer 'breathing space' amid rising living costs, though critics argue it is not a comprehensive solution.The Campaign for Better Transport highlighted ongoing challenges in rural areas, where bus services have declined by 18% since 2019.

The government plans to fund the cap by reallocating £454m from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, a move criticized by opposition figures for lacking transparency.

While the policy addresses immediate affordability concerns, analysts note it does not fully address long-term issues such as service cuts and rural connectivity gaps.