Thousands of people across Sunderland can save a third on bus travel as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces a cap on single bus tickets.

Passengers travelling around the city and further afield will benefit from cheaper fares from January 1, 2027, for the rest of the year as maximum fares are capped at £2.

The last £2 fare cap saw an estimated 30 million more journeys taken by bus across the country in just 10 months.

Backed by £400 million extra funding, the cap on fares will help thousands of people across the city access affordable bus travel more easily, breaking down barriers to travel for people struggling with the cost of living, opening up opportunities and boosting local economies.

Millions of people will save a third on bus travel as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces a cap on single bus tickets at £2. Photo credit Go North East.

placeholder image — Millions of people will save a third on bus travel as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces a cap on single bus tickets at £2. Photo credit Go North East.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Good, affordable transport links are an essential. No one should be priced out of those and left behind.

“But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that.

"I’ve done it before and I will do it again now – a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.

“Lower fares will help people get to where they need to, giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living.”

Thousands of children can also travel for free this summer thanks to an annual initiative.

Between Saturday, July 18, and Monday, August 31, children aged 11 and under can travel for free on Go North East buses with a fare paying adult.

In previous school holidays, up to three children could travel for free but this year, there will be no limit on the number of children that can travel.