Preston Bus says it cannot confirm whether it will join the new government scheme limiting single fares to £2 from January because it has not said how operators will be reimbursed.
Under the current national scheme, participating operators cap eligible single fares at £3, but participation is voluntary. Preston Bus abandoned the scheme in January and now charges £3.50 for a standard adult single.
The government said the new scheme will run throughout 2027 and is backed by £400 million, but its announcement did not set out payments to individual operators.
Preston Bus welcomed the announcement and recognized its potential to help passengers with the cost of living.
However, she said she had “not received any further details” and believed fare-cap schemes “should remain fully funded” for operators.
The company said it would assess the plan when reimbursement arrangements become available. No decision has been announced on whether it will participate.
The new Burnham government said returning to the £2 cap would particularly help passengers in rural areas where single fares can be higher.
In February, after Preston Bus left the £3 scheme, the Department for Transport said: “It is up to bus operators whether they want to participate or not… but we are providing more than £150m a year for the scheme to keep bus fares low, helping passengers get from A to B.”
That statement and the £150 million figure relate to the existing £3 scheme and predates the new £2 announcement.
Preston Bus also withdrew off-peak journeys on a number of routes from Lancashire’s £1 evening, Sunday and bank holiday fare scheme in April.
It said reimbursements provided in 2025 did not continue at the same level in 2026, while operating costs had increased.
