£2 fare cap for next year

A new £2 cap on single bus journeys from January to March is to be introduced. The pledge is backed by up to £60 million of Government funding and is designed to ensure affordable transport across the country.

The news comes as the country marks Catch the Bus Month. It follows months of speculation that the Government would introduce the fare cap.

The move will help passengers with travel costs for work, education, shopping and medical treatments over the winter months while they are facing pressures from the rising cost of living. The average single fare for a three-mile journey is estimated at over £2.80, according to the Government, meaning that the new fare will save passengers almost 30% of the price every time they travel.

The funding to keep fares down follows the Government’s announcement of £130 million last month to protect vital bus routes and services across the country, which those on lower-incomes in particular rely on.

“We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower daily expenditure” – Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Buses are by far and away the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys are no more than £2 will assist passengers over the winter months and provide direct help to thousands of households across the country.

“This £60 million boost will mean everyone can affordably get to work, education, the shops and doctor’s appointments.

“We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower daily expenditure.”

The Government will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities and consider future support to help passengers continue accessing reliable and affordable bus services after March.

A flat-rate bus pilot scheme, backed by £23.5 million of Government funding, launched in Cornwall this January and has already seen an indicative 10% increase in passenger numbers. The ‘Any Ticket Any Bus’ scheme, running over four years, includes a £3 day ticket within towns or a £9 day ticket across all of Cornwall, which is valid across different bus operators.

“The cap on fares being announced today will bring welcome, short-term relief to the millions of people who rely on buses” – Dawn Badminton-Capps, Director for England for charity Bus Users 

Dawn Badminton-Capps, Director for England for charity Bus Users, said: “The cap on fares being announced today will bring welcome, short-term relief to the millions of people who rely on buses to access education, employment and health services. Buses make a vital contribution to society and Government support is critical in protecting services for the future.”

“This £2 fare cap – which we have called for – will help set buses on the road to a bright future” – Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This will be very welcome news for the millions of people who rely on the bus to get to work, to the shops, to medical appointments, and to connect with friends and family. It will also encourage more people to find their nearest bus stop and give the bus a try… where could YOU go for just £2?

“Buses have great potential to cut traffic and carbon emissions, to connect communities and ease loneliness. This £2 fare cap – which we have called for – will help set buses on the road to a bright future.”

“Bus fare caps at £2 are an eye-catching initiative which could help attract new passengers on to the bus” – Alison Edwards, Policy Director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport

Alison Edwards, Policy Director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “Bus fare caps at £2 are an eye-catching initiative which could help attract new passengers on to the bus, particularly at a time when networks are adapting to new travel patterns, and both customers and operators are facing cost of living and business cost challenges.

“We look forward to understanding in detail how the proposed fare cap will work in practice to ensure it supports the long-term sustainability of bus networks, which are vital in connecting communities with jobs, education and skills, as well as friends, family, and essential public services.”

One thought on “£2 fare cap for next year

  1. Michael Bennett says:

    The public need to be told that the Government is backing this by every operator who promotes this. Those operators who increase fares at this time of year are being accused on social media of funding this £2 cap by increasing fares now or by increasing the costs of seasons/multi-journey tickets.

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