Andy Burnham's announcement that most bus fares in England will be capped at £2 from January is a significant policy shift, reflecting a new prime minister's focus on tangible, quick-to-implement measures to address the cost of living crisis. This move marks a stark contrast to the approach of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who initially emphasized the challenges ahead. Burnham's commitment to a £2 cap on bus fares, a policy he successfully implemented in Manchester as mayor, is a clear indication of his priority to make public transport more affordable and accessible.
The cap, initially introduced in September 2022, was a response to the pandemic's impact on public transport usage and aimed to reduce inflation. According to the ONS, it contributed to a 5% increase in bus usage over ten months, with lower-income passengers benefiting the most. However, the cap's value for money was questioned, as savings varied depending on local fare structures. Despite this, Burnham argues that a £2 cap is particularly beneficial for rural and coastal areas, where fares can be higher.
The extension of the bus fare cap to England-wide is expected to cost over £500 million, funded through reallocating funds from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, as well as the Department for Transport. This move has sparked criticism from the Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride, who questions the government's ability to fund such commitments without specifying the sources. However, Chancellor John Healey assures that the savings will come from elsewhere, not from British taxpayers.
Burnham's commitment to affordable transport is a continuation of his Manchester mayoralty, where he launched the Bee Network, a London-style integrated bus and tram system under local control. This initiative, named after Manchester's worker bee, has been hailed as a 'coming-of-age moment for English devolution.' The cap on bus fares is a key component of this network, ensuring that residents can access affordable public transport.
The timing of this announcement is notable, coming after Burnham's pledge to cut VAT on household electricity bills and following a similar pledge by the previous government. These measures, combined with the bus fare cap, are part of a broader strategy to provide 'breathing space' for people struggling with the cost of living. Burnham's approach, characterized by a focus on immediate, tangible solutions, stands in contrast to the initial challenges-focused tone of his predecessor, Starmer.
In conclusion, Andy Burnham's decision to cap bus fares at £2 in England is a significant step towards making public transport more affordable and accessible. This policy, a continuation of his Manchester mayoralty's successful initiative, reflects a new prime minister's commitment to addressing the cost of living crisis with practical, quick-to-implement measures. The challenge now lies in ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives and addressing the concerns raised by critics regarding the funding sources.
