The £2 bus fare cap has been extended until 31 October and then £2.50 until November 2024
The Transport Secretary Mark Harper yesterday (17 May) confirmed the government will provide up to £200 million to continue capping single bus fares at £2 outside London.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that inflation will be halved by the end of this year, and capping fares at £2.50 until November 2024 will create longer-term certainty for bus users over the next year. The fare cap will be reviewed ahead of November 2024.
The move is a part of the government’s Help for Households initiative.
During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels and, while passenger levels have recovered to around 85 to 90%, the fare cap aims to encourage people back on the bus, which can help reduce congestion and emissions.
Prime Minister Rishi 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.”
Graham Vidler, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, welcomed the funding but added: “The combination of the funding settlement and the £2 fare cap extension will not save every service in every part of the country.
“Operators and local authorities will now work together to study the detail of the government’s proposals and ensure that the funding is used to safeguard the best possible network for local passengers.”
The £2 fare cap was introduced as a temporary measure on 1 January this year and had been due to end on March 31 but has since been extended twice.
Nationally – inclusive of London – government will provide £500 million to freeze bus fares and improve local routes. Transport authorities will receive £160 million to improve fares, services, and infrastructure, while £140 million will directly support operators in protecting essential services.
South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay said: “Buses are vital to people across South Thanet helping people to access work, education, shops, and appointments – and keeping the cost of fares down will make a real difference to the lives of the millions of people around our country who use them every day.
“That is why I am pleased the Conservative Government will extend the £2 cap fare and protect and improve vital local routes.
“This will help commuters to keep costs down.”
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