A call has been made for Mayoral precept funding to be used to keep single bus fares in Cambridgeshire capped at £2.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority was asked to consider subsidising bus fares so people would not have to pay more to travel to work.

The previous government introduced the £2 bus fare cap scheme, which meant a single journey would not cost more than £2.

This scheme had been due to come to an end on December 31.

However, last month the government announced it would continue to cap bus fares in 2025, but said the cap would be increased to £3 for a single journey.

At a meeting of the Combined Authority’s transport and infrastructure committee this week (November 4), Sophie Corcoran asked if the authority would consider subsidising the fares in the county.

She said: “Following the government’s decision to increase the bus fare cap by 50 per cent, this is going to increase the cost of bus travel by £520.

“There are not many people in the region who can afford an extra £500 to get to and from work.

“So will you follow in the footsteps of Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester and use the Mayoral precept, which you have tripled, to keep the cap at £2?”

Councillor Anna Smith, the Deputy Mayor, said this was not a decision the committee could make, as budgetary decisions were made by the Board and the Mayor.

However, she said she would like to make some general comments on the Combined Authority’s work around buses.

She said: “The Mayor and the Combined Authority are absolutely resolute in committing to delivering meaningful improvements in passenger transport for the people of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

“Under the Mayor’s leadership we are working tirelessly to expand and improve the region’s bus services, making them accessible, reliable, and affordable for everyone.

“Our initiatives locally continue to reflect this dedication, most notably through the introduction of new and expanded bus routes that better connect our communities, which will enable greater access to education, work, and essential services.”

Cllr Smith highlighted the Combined Authority’s introduction of Tiger Bus Passes, which offer £1 bus fares for people under the age of 25.

She said over 30,000 people had signed up for the pass since it launched, and said this was a “critical step to ensuring affordable travel options to all young people”.

Cllr Smith also highlighted the decision by the authority to fund concessionary travel at peak times, which she said meant elderly and disabled people could travel for free at any time.

Cllr Smith went on to discuss the Combined Authority’s plans around bus franchising, and said being able to set fares for the area and subsidise services was part of the franchising system.

She urged people to take part in the current consultation on bus franchising to share their views to help inform the Mayor’s decision on whether to move forward with the project.

The consultation on bus franchising in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is due to run until November 20.

People wishing to take part can do so online at https://cpca-yourvoice.co.uk/bus-franchising-consultation