United Kingdom, from 2027 bus tickets will cost no more than 2 pounds

From January 2027, the price ofbus ticket nel United Kingdomcannot exceed two pounds. The decision was announced by the new British Prime MinisterAndy Burnhamwhich reinstated the maximum price of 2 pounds for a single ticket on English buses. The measure was launched in 2022 by the conservative government ofBoris Johnsonand went into effect the following year, when Johnson had already resigned. The limit was increased to £3 by the government ofKeir Starmerin 2024, although in some areas of the country, including London and Greater Manchester where Burnham himself was mayor, rates remained lower.

The measure announced by the new government will cost around half a million pounds and will be financed partly with funds allocated to local governments and partly by the conversion of international climate loans, the executive has announced. The rest will be made up of savings in the budget ofDepartment for Energy Security and Zero EmissionsDowning Street said.

The Prime Minister’s statements

“It was actually an original initiative of mine when I was mayor of Greater Manchester, but I worked with Boris to roll it out nationally, and it’s been very well received because it’s simple but it saves people money every day,” the prime minister told reporters who reminded Burnham of Johnson’s initiative. “I think this measure will really help people deal with pressures related tocost of living“, added the prime minister.

Guarantees on loans

The Minister of TransportHeidi Alexandershe said she was “100% confident” that the new policy will be fully funded,” as the government is “reorganizing spending priorities.” “The prime minister has been absolutely clear that we will respect the fiscal rules and that this government will not engage in unfunded spending,” she added.

VAT reduction on bills

Today’s decision follows yesterday’s announcement on the reduction ofIVA sulle electricity billsdomestic starting from 1 October, which according to the government will be financed with the funds that the Starmer government had allocated to digital identity.

Details still to be clarified

Other details of the measure are not yet known: the government will need to clarify exactly which services the cap will apply to and which lines will be excluded from the current £3 fare cap.