Leeds buses: Yorkshire services to benefit from £31m funding boost as £2 fare cap to be extended

It comes as part of £1 billion worth of new funding that the Government is dedicating to bus services across the North and the Midlands as part of the Network North Plan, following the controversial scrapping of the Northern leg of the HS2 train link.

While is up to local authorities in partnership with operators to decide how best to use the funding, the total £150m funding for next year across the North and Midlands is enough to support up to 25 million miles of new bus services, helping local authorities provide more regular and reliable services or cheaper fares delivered through fare initiatives and ticket price caps.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport, which is why we are continuing to back our buses with record high levels of funding – supporting vital bus services and offering affordable travel for passengers.

“This increase in funding to deliver more reliable, frequent and affordable local bus services – and to extend the £2 bus fare cap – has only been possible with the redirected HS2 funding secured by this Government making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.”

The “Get Around For £2” bus fare cap scheme is also due to be extended to continue to help people save money. The cap had been due to rise to £2.50 but will instead remain at £2 and continue until December 31, 2024.

According to initial analysis from a recent report published by the Department, the scheme has helped encouraged people to get back on the bus, with almost half of respondents saying the fare cap is the main reason they are using the bus more.

As part of the Network North plan, the Government has announced plans to spend £2.5 billion to fund the long-promised a mass transit tram system in Leeds and West Yorkshire and will allocate a further £4 billion for local transport across the North’s six city regions to improve connectivity in those areas, benefiting millions of people.