A new report says more people are travelling by bus thanks to the £2 fare cap.

Independent passenger watchdog Transport Focus spoke to more than 1,000 people to understand the impact of the fare cap and how it was helping passengers with the cost of living.

It says more than one in 10 are using the bus to travel more, more than four in ten thought the new fare might save them money, and 80% thought it would help people with the cost of living. More than four in 10 said the bus journeys were replacing ones they would have made by car.

Looking to the future, those that told us they might make use of the £2 fare would use the bus instead of making a car journey (49%), while others said the £2 fare would help them travel to places they wouldn’t otherwise go (41%).

Awareness of the £2 fare cap has increased from 53 per cent in January 2023 to 56%.

Transport Focus director David Sidebottom, said: “Our research shows the £2 bus fare is having a big impact in helping more people get around by bus and putting more money back in their pocket. Cheaper fares are vital in winning passengers back and providing a lifeline for bus routes up and down the country.

“It’s great to see the introduction of simpler, better value for money fares helping more people give bus a go. This comes at a critical time when many people are struggling and worried about the cost of travel.”

Roads Minister Richard Holden added: “It’s fantastic to see how the £2 bus fare cap is helping people save money, get on the bus more and travel sustainably.

“That’s why we’ve just extended the fare cap for a further three months, with over 5,400 routes now part of the scheme, as we continue to help people keep money in their pockets while levelling up transport and growing the economy.”

(Picture – Department for Transport)