Combined Authority Acts to End Costly Routes

Combined Authority Acts to End Costly Routes

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Board has taken action to tackle bus services with exceptionally high costs per passenger.

Today, the Board approved a new Bus Services Review Framework and, as part of its first application, agreed to withdraw two routes where each journey costs taxpayers over £100.

The framework introduces a clear, evidence-based process for assessing services, ensuring funding goes to routes that deliver the greatest benefit for passengers and the best value for taxpayers. From January 2026, it will guide recommendations to the Transport Committee and shape improvements across the contracted network.

As part of this initial review, the Board approved recommendations to end:

• Route 15 (Haslingfield–Royston, Wednesday only) – costing over £180 per passenger
• Route 8A (March–Milton Park & Ride) – costing over £100 per passenger

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Paul Bristow, said:

 “We have a responsibility to manage a bus network that works for the people who rely on it and for the people who fund it. When a route costs over £100 every time someone boards, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t connecting.

 “I know these decisions are never easy, but they are necessary if we want a bus system that is fair, honest, and effective. Taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to subsidise services that almost nobody uses when other communities are still waiting for reliable buses of their own.

 “By focusing our resources where they make the biggest difference, we can invest in routes that move people, not just money.”

The approved framework will support more transparent and consistent decision-making around supported bus services, helping the Combined Authority make the best use of limited funding while ensuring rural, market town and suburban communities remain connected. The Route 15 and the 8A will cease operating once appropriate contractual notice has been given to the respective Operators.