The introduction of a £2 bus fare cap is attracting more people on to public transport, according to a survey by a transport watchdog. The survey of more than 1,000 people by Transport Focus discovered more than 10% of those asked were using the bus more often.
More than 40% said bus journeys were replacing ones they would have previously made by car. Introduced in January and originally due to end in March, the voluntary fare cap has been adopted by most major operators and extended until June.
Applying to services outside London, schemes began in Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire last year. 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.”
The survey found 49% of respondents might make use of the cap rather than use a car with 41% saying they would make journeys to different places. Awareness of the £2 fare cap has increased from 53% in January to 56%.
Transport Minister Richard Holden said more than 5,400 routes were covered by the scheme.
He said: “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.”
