Johnson plans £5bn bus funding ahead of HS2 announcement

PM poised to approve controversial rail project as he unveils funding boost for depleted services

Boris Johnson is poised to give the formal go ahead to the HS2 project on Tuesday with ministers promising an additional £5bn on buses and cycle routes to head off critics who fear the troubled high speed rail line will suck cash from other priorities.

Ahead of an expected announcement giving the green light to the vast infrastructure project, Johnson will claim that his government will offer bus passengers outside London a more frequent service and simpler fares, as part of his agenda to “level up” the UK.

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