The Government’s announced it’s spending another £75 million to extend the bus fare cap, meaning passengers can save on single bus tickets.
Extended from1 April until the end of June, the offer will apply to more than 5,000 routes in England from over 140 operators.
With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price and over 75% on some of the longest trips.
The scheme, which began in January this year, has already seen an uptick in passenger numbers. The Department for Transport says this extension will continue to encourage greater bus use and is expected to take up to four million cars off the road.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Bus travel should be accessible and affordable for everyone. We know that people are struggling with rising costs, which is why we’re extending the £2 bus fare cap and continuing to put money back into passengers’ pockets.
“This will help to ensure people can get around easily, no matter where they live – connecting them with work, education, doctors’ appointments as well as friends and families – in turn strengthening communities and growing local economies.”
In a statement, the DfT says this measure builds on more than £2 billion already invested to protect buses in England since the pandemic and a further £1 billion for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) to improve services and keep fares down as part of the National Bus Strategy, published in 2021.
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “The continuation of the £2 fare cap is a welcome boost for passengers during a cost-of-living crisis, reminding people buses are a stress-free, affordable and environmental option for work, education, appointments, leisure or to see loved ones.
“Alongside low fares, passengers need the Government to continue to invest in bus services to help maintain connectivity across England, no matter where you live.”
(Picture – DfT)
