Bus and coach fares have risen by a record amount in the past year, new analysis shows.
Fares were up 21% in January compared to the same month in 2020, Labour said.
The finding, based on Office for National Statistics inflation data, marks the highest annual rise since the figures began in 1988, the party said.
It means bus fares are now 70% higher than a decade ago, despite being the most-used mode of transport in the country.
However Rishi Sunak failed to mention buses once in the 107-page Budget document published last week.
Shadow Transport Secretary Jim McMahon accused the Government of leaving struggling communities to “bear the brunt” of the economic hit from the pandemic.
He said: “The foundations of our communities have been weakened by a decade of irresponsible choices by the Conservatives.
“The fact the Chancellor failed to even mention bus services, which are vital for so many people, shows this Government simply wants to take us back to business as usual, leaving those already struggling to continue to bear the brunt of the economic fallout from the pandemic.”
It comes amid long-running cuts to lifeline bus provision, with an estimated 3,347 bus services reduced or withdrawn between 2010 and 2018, according to the Campaign for Better Transport.
At the current rate, the Government will have overseen a reduction of more than 5,850 bus routes by the end of this Parliament, Labour estimated.
Passenger journeys have fallen by 15% in 2019/20 since the Tories came to power.
There was also a 17% reduction in trips by elderly and disabled passengers in 2018/19 compared to 2010/11.
Former transport minister Norman Baker, of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “To tackle congestion and dirty air in our towns and cities, as well as cutting carbon emissions, the Government needs to actively encourage people out of their cars and back onto public transport.
"An 11-year fuel duty freeze, whilst public transport fares continue to rise, will do nothing to achieve this.
"The National Bus Strategy, due to be published this month, must contain measures and funding to help lower fares and increase passenger numbers; without this we risk undermining the green recovery.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We do not recognise these figures. They are projections based on multiple data sets for varying modes, and do not accurately project the bus fare index for 2021.
“Buses have huge potential as part of an affordable and sustainable public transport system, which is why we will publish an ambitious National Bus Strategy shortly.”
The Treasury was contacted for comment.
