By KLTV Newsdesk –

Fare Cap Makes Travel Easier and More Affordable

People in West Yorkshire have found it easier to travel around the region since the introduction of the Mayor’s Fares scheme, according to a recent survey conducted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Over three-quarters of those surveyed reported that the fare cap made it more convenient to make multiple bus journeys on the same day, highlighting the scheme’s success in improving accessibility and affordability.

A Pioneering Initiative

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, launched the Mayor’s Fares initiative in September 2022—the first scheme of its kind in the country at the time.

It was designed to help ease the cost-of-living crisis and make bus travel more affordable. The scheme was later followed by a similar initiative introduced by the Government in January 2023.

Of the 2,013 respondents, over half agreed that the scheme had saved them money, while nearly half said it had improved access to job opportunities.

Mayor Brabin expressed her satisfaction with the scheme’s impact, stating: “Our Mayor’s Fares have had such a positive impact on people using buses across the region.

“We have worked hard to keep fares low so that people have access to affordable bus travel across the region.

“Improving our bus network and bringing it back under public control is central to our plan to build a greener, better-connected region that works for all.”

Encouraging Public Transport Use

The survey also revealed that one in five respondents have either started using buses or increased their use of public transport since the introduction of the scheme.

Additionally, over half of those surveyed said the initiative had encouraged them to explore more of the region.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, praised the initiative, saying: “It’s great that we’ve been able to use our powers as a combined authority to keep fares low.

“Improving transport services while keeping fares affordable is key to our growth ambitions for West Yorkshire.”

Future Pricing and Public Control Plans

From Sunday, 30th March 202,5, until the end of the year, the price cap for single bus fares in the region will be set at £2.50 – 50p below the national fare cap.

The cost of a DaySaver ticket will be £6.

The survey results come as West Yorkshire continues its plans to bring buses back under public control, a move further supported by a national Transport Focus survey that recently rated the region as having the lowest satisfaction levels in bus services.

This transition will give the Combined Authority greater control over routes, frequencies, fares, and service standards, aiming to improve reliability and accessibility.

For full survey results, visit West Yorkshire Combined Authority Survey Results.