Bus passengers across England will save money through a new £2 cap on single bus journeys from January to March. The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, announced today (September 3) that the Government will provide up to £60 million for the first three months of next year to help bus operators to cap single adult fares.
The move is aimed at helping 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. Bus fares vary across different parts of the country and between bus operators, and can even reach almost £6 for a single journey in rural areas.
The new cap means passengers in those areas could save more than £60 a month if they took four single trips a week, the Government says. The average single fare for a three-mile journey is estimated at over £2.80, meaning that the new fare will save passengers almost 30% of the price every time they travel.
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The funding follows the Government’s announcement of £130 million last month to protect vital bus routes and services across the country, which it says those on lower incomes in particular rely on.
Mr 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."
During the pandemic bus passenger numbers declined significantly, along with other public transport users, and figures show usage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. However the Government says ensuring the public can access affordable bus fares will encourage more people to choose buses for local journeys, helping to reduce carbon emissions as the country moves towards Net Zero targets.
The Government says operators representing around 90% of the bus market have expressed support for the scheme, however it hopes that all bus operators will participate. Single fares which are already lower than £2 will not be affected by the cap.
A flat-rate bus pilot scheme, backed by £23.5 million of Government funding, launched in Cornwall this January and is said to have led to a 10 per cent 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.
Director for charity Bus Users, Dawn Badminton-Capps, 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."
Peter Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport also praised the scheme. He 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."
Policy Director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, Alison Edwards, 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."
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