Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed news that bus fares will be capped at £2 for adults and £1 for children for one-way journeys from 4 September.

Councillor Sykes said, “Its very welcome news that we have more affordable fares, but the fact remains that many people in Oldham will be unsure about the future of their local bus services.  If services like the 180 and the 425 are cut, there will be less travellers to back fill the money lost through this reduction in fares.  That could create a vicious cycle of more and more service cuts.” 

It was recently announced that multiple services including the 180, 81, 181, 182, X84, 59, the 350 and the 425 – were due to see a reduction in services, with many set to be axed completely.  Transport for Greater Manchester have placed many of the affected routes out for tender, but uncertainty remains and is dependent upon those tenders and their cost.

Councillor Sykes said, “People are really struggling with cost-of-living pressures.  Lower bus fares might just make all the difference to working families who are trying to make savings.  Now these new fares have been agreed, I hope that more people opt for public transport.”