North East bus fare cap extended until 2027

BUT SOME TICKETS TO FACE MAJOR SHAKE-UP

- By DANIEL HOLLAND Local democracy reporter

A £2.50 cap on the cost of a single bus journey in the North East will stay in force until 2027, it has been confirmed.

Mayor Kim McGuinness and council leaders backed plans on Monday that will see the price limit, which is set at 50p below the national rate, extended to the end of March 2027.

Proposals signed off by the North East Combined Authority (NECA) in Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon will also see the single bus tickets for young people aged 21 and under stay capped at £1 or at £3 for a day ticket which can also be used on the Metro and Shields Ferry.

The region-wide adult day rover will remain priced at £7.50 until that March 2027 end date, which Ms McGuinness described as an "absolute minimum".