Liberal Democrats Call for Full Funding of Tiger Pass as Mayor Proposes Cuts

The Liberal Democrats on the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority have raised serious concerns over proposals from the Mayor that could lead to changes in the highly successful Tiger Pass scheme, which currently provides £1 bus fares for under-25s across the region.

Since its introduction in 2024, the Tiger Pass has enabled thousands of young people to travel affordably to school, college, apprenticeships, work, healthcare and social activities. Survey responses show that young people and families rely heavily on the pass, with many using it several times a week. The scheme has also driven a significant increase in bus use among young people, supporting both economic opportunity and the authority’s wider transport and climate goals.

Despite the success of the scheme, the Mayor has claimed that the Combined Authority does not have sufficient funding to keep the Tiger Pass running at its current level. He has brought forward proposals for changes to the scheme from April 2026.

Liberal Democrat representatives refused to vote for moves that would weaken or restrict the Tiger Pass, arguing that affordable public transport for young people must remain a priority for the entire region.

Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:

“The Tiger Pass has transformed access to education and work for young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It is one of the most effective, targeted transport programmes we have.

The Mayor says there’s no money to keep it fully funded yet at the same time he is publicly promoting the idea of using public funds to provide free car parking in Peterborough. That is not a fair or balanced approach.”

Liberal Democrats are calling for the Combined Authority to protect the Tiger Pass and ensure that it is fairly funded.

“We should be backing young people in every community, from Wisbech to Cambridge, from Huntingdon to Peterborough,” Cllr Beckett added. “Affordable bus travel supports the whole region’s economy and future. We’ll continue fighting to keep the Tiger Pass strong, simple and accessible.”

Cllr Peter McDonald, Cabinet Member at South Cambridgeshire District Council, expressed his concern saying “The Tiger Pass has been an enormous success, to see the Conservative Mayor trying to water it down to fund a project in his backyard is not what Cambridgeshire's young people deserve. The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight hard to protect the Tiger Pass so that it can continue to support Under 25s across Cambridgeshire.”

A final decision on the future of the scheme will be taken by the Combined Authority Board in due course.