Board back Mayor’s plan to secure the Tiger Bus Pass

Board back Mayor’s plan to secure the Tiger Bus Pass

Young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will continue to benefit from £1 bus fares after the Combined Authority Board backed the Mayor’s plan to retain the Tiger Bus Pass in its current form. This is dependent on the national bus fare cap remaining in place.

The decision gives certainty to under-25s, parents, schools and employers that the Tiger Pass will remain available. 

In January 2025 the Government increased bus fares from a £2 cap to a £3 national bus fare cap.  This means the amount of subsidy required to keep £1 fares for young people has doubled.

Since its introduction, the Tiger Pass has helped many young people travel day to day and supporting not only journeys to education and work, but also to sports and social activities. Use of the pass has grown steadily, with more than 60,000 young people now relying on it as part of their everyday lives.

Paul Bristow said: “I’m pleased the Board has agreed my plan to secure the Tiger Pass.

I’ve spent time speaking directly to young people, and they’ve been very clear about what the Tiger Pass means to them. 

It’s not just about getting to school, college or work, it’s about easing pressure on family finances, giving parents peace of mind, and allowing young people to see friends, take part in activities and feel more independent. 

The Government increase to the national fare cap from £2 to £3 makes things difficult. Instead of a £1 subsidy for every young person using the bus it is £2. The Government must not increase fares again.

I’m committed to working with members, operators and partners on a longer-term plan that keeps reduced fares for young people and pressing the Government to keep the bus fare cap.”

Evidence from user feedback shows the pass is also changing travel behaviour, with most users reporting they now travel by bus more often since receiving a Tiger Pass. This supports wider ambitions to improve connectivity and reduce barriers to opportunity. 

For more information about the Tiger Bus Pass and how to apply, visit: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/onepoundbusfare/

£1 Bus Fare