Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has announced plans to extend the popular £1 bus fare cap for under-22s across the region until March 2027 at the earliest, helping thousands of young people access jobs, training and education affordably.
The fare cap, introduced in June 2024 following the Mayor’s re-election pledge, has already transformed travel for young people. Since launch, more than four million journeys have been made at the reduced price of just £1.
Alongside the £1 single fare, young passengers have benefited from a £3 day ticket, offering unlimited travel across local bus services. Both offers apply to most journeys starting in Tees Valley, including those travelling outside the region, and can be used across multiple operators.
Mayor Houchen’s commitment to extend these fare caps aims to ensure young people continue to enjoy affordable, reliable transport for education, apprenticeships and work opportunities.
The pledge follows confirmation that the Government will increase bus funding for Tees Valley by £1.1 million annually until 2029 through the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG). This additional support strengthens the region’s ability to maintain low fares and improve public transport services.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen commented:
“This is about giving young people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool the boost they need.
“Access to jobs, training and education is unbelievably vital. More than four million journeys show this £1 cap is working, so I’m determined to keep this going and make sure travel costs don’t hold ambition back.
“When I make a pledge, I keep it. I hope leaders recognise this is a no brainer and back me in the spring so we can continue putting money back in young people’s pockets.”
The extension of both the £1 and £3 fare caps is subject to Cabinet approval in March 2026, but the Mayor has made clear his ambition to keep these offers in place for as long as possible.
Image credit: iStock
