Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster MP has welcomed news passengers across England will benefit from £155 million in government support to cap bus fares at £2, maintain services and ensure people can travel affordably.
The government will provide up to £75 million so bus operators can continue to cap single bus fares outside of London at £2 until the end of June, saving passengers money and encouraging more people back on the bus. With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price. Bus operators that are continuing the £2 fare cap scheme will be confirmed in due course.
The Transport Secretary has also confirmed £80 million of funding nationally from 1 April to 30 June 2023 to protect vital bus services people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.
During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels, and the government has provided unprecedented financial support totalling more than £2 billion since March 2020.
With bus patronage still at around 85 to 90% of pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) levels, there are several ongoing challenges for bus operators. The government is working closely with the sector on the challenges they face with changing travel patterns since the pandemic and will continue to work on delivering the National Bus Strategy.
The government’s existing £60 million investment to cap single bus fares has already shown early signs of increased bus use, with an independent survey of 1,000 people from passenger watchdog Transport Focus showing 7% of people saying they are using the bus more. During these difficult economic times, these trends already indicate the government’s support to cap fares is a welcome intervention, helping families, commuters and all passengers to ease the cost of living.
Kevin Foster MP said: “You wait for an item of good news on buses, then two turn up at once! The extension of the £2 maximum fare is good news for passengers and a welcome boost for our tourism industry as we look ahead to the Easter Holidays.”
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