PLANS have been unveiled for bus fares to be capped at £2 across England to save passengers cash, encourage more people to use public transport and ease cost of living pressures.
The move would save people 30 per cent on the average fare, helping millions across the country with travel costs to work and on essential journeys.
The Government is providing up to £60million over three months – from January to March, 2023 – to subsidise operator costs and incentivise greener travel for commuters
Bus fares vary across different parts of the country and between operators.
National Express West Midlands single fares are currently £2.40 so the move would see a 16 per cent saving on each journey.
In some rural areas, single fares can be as high as £6. The cap would save people more than £60-a -month if they took four single trips a week.
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 per cent of the price every time they travel.
The funding to keep fares down follows the Government’s announcement of £130million last month to protect vital bus routes and services across the country, which those on lower-incomes in particular rely on.
During the pandemic bus passenger numbers declined significantly, along with other public transport users, and figures show numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
It is hoped ensuring the public can access affordable bus fares will encourage more people to choose buses for local journeys, reducing carbon emissions as the country moves towards Net Zero targets.
It is estimated the scheme will take at least 2million car journeys off England’s roads, cutting congestion and pollution for everyone.
The Government is working on this scheme with operators and local authorities and, after March, will continue that work to consider future support for passengers needing to access reliable and affordable services.
The £2 cap is said to be backed by around 90 per cent of bus companies.
A flat-rate bus pilot scheme, backed by £23.5million of Government funding, launched in Cornwall this January has already seen 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, valid across different bus operators.
Alison Edwards, Policy Director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, added: “Bus fare caps at £2 are an eye-catching initiative which could help attract new passengers onto 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.”
Dawn Badminton-Capps, Director for England for charity Bus Users, said the cap would bring welcome, short-term relief to the millions who relied 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.”
