Andy Burnham's announcement that most bus fares in England will be capped at £2 from January marks a significant shift in policy, reflecting his commitment to tangible, quick-acting measures to address the cost of living crisis. This move comes as a stark contrast to the approach of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who initially emphasized the challenges ahead rather than offering immediate solutions. Burnham's strategy is evident in his recent announcements, including a tax cut on household electricity bills and the reintroduction of a bus fare cap, both of which aim to provide 'breathing space' for the public. The bus fare cap, in particular, is a continuation of Burnham's work as Manchester mayor, where he launched the Bee Network, a London-style integrated bus and tram system under local control. This initiative, which has been in place since September 2023, has seen single fares capped at £2 for the last four years, with the ONS recognizing its role in boosting bus usage and reducing inflation. However, the cap's effectiveness in terms of value for money has been questioned, with savings varying depending on local fare structures. Despite this, Burnham argues that the cap is essential to ensure that no one is 'priced out' of good transport links, a sentiment that resonates with his broader agenda of council housebuilding, social care reform, and public control of utilities. The funding for the bus fare cap extension, estimated to cost over £500 million, is a point of contention, with Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride criticizing the government's lack of transparency. The money is to be reallocated from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, in addition to funds already set aside by the Department for Transport, with no burden on British taxpayers. This announcement follows a similar pledge to cut VAT on household electricity bills, funded by reallocating funds from the digital ID program, raising questions about the availability of these funds. Burnham's approach, characterized by a focus on practical, immediate measures, is a clear departure from his predecessor's style, and it remains to be seen how these policies will shape his leadership and the UK's economic landscape.
