Andy Burnham says he is 'confident' bus companies will agree to slash fares by the end of the summer as he fast-tracks plans to cap tickets at £2 per ride. The mayor said single journeys on all buses in Greater Manchester will cost £2 for adults and £1 for children with day tickets for all operators available at £5.
This flat fare structure was supposed to come into force once buses are under public control and the new franchising system is rolled out from autumn 2023. This comes after a judge gave Mr Burnham the green light to bring buses back under public control – but he is still fighting another appeal by a bus operator.
Previous promises of 'hopper' fares - allowing passengers to ride multiple bus services for one flat fee - and tickets which can be used on trams too will have to wait until this franchising system is rolled out, according to Mr Burnham. But the Labour metro mayor is calling for fares to be slashed sooner, starting from September, in an effort to help people cope with the cost of living crisis.
