Bus passenger boost as fares stop at £2
RISHI Sunak has extended £2 bus fares until the end of October to help passengers with the cost of living.
The Prime Minister announced £300million of funding to keep the cap on ticket costs on services outside London.
It will also help shore up bus services after the pandemic saw usage fall to as low as 10 per cent of the norm.
Mr Sunak said: “By extending the £2 fare cap, we’re making sure bus travel remains accessible and affordable for everyone, while helping to ease cost-of-living pressures.
“Buses connect our communities and play a vital role in growing the economy.
“They transport people to work, take our kids to school and make sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments. That’s why we’re determined to protect local routes and encourage more people onto the bus, ensuring people can get around easily and in an affordable way.”
The rate will remain in place until October 31 and will then rise to £2.50 until the end of November 2024 when another £200million of funding kicks in. Some journeys have seen a reduction in ticket prices of more than 80 per cent under the policy, including Lancaster to Kendal, which has fallen by £12.50 and Plymouth to Exeter, which saw a £9.20 reduction.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the investment would protect vital routes and improve services until 2025 that people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.
He said: “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on these vital services every day.”