UK Department for Transport Grants £3 Million for Bus Franchising

The Department for Transport announced a £3 million funding boost on April 13, 2026, to assist local authorities in England as they move toward franchised bus systems. This investment specifically targets six mayoral authorities: Liverpool City Region, North East, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

This funding is part of a wider "bus revolution" and a larger £3 billion commitment spanning 2026 to 2029, designed to improve affordability and accessibility in rural and low-income regions. Current initiatives supported by this government funding include £1 fares for those under 21 in the North East, free travel for under-18s in Barnsley, and new rural routes in Norfolk connecting Norwich, Caister, and Great Yarmouth.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood stated that the investment will allow local leaders to gain control over bus delivery for the thousands of people who rely on these services. He characterized the current period as an exciting time for the industry due to record funding for new services and discounted ticket offers.