Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced an extension of the £2 bus fare cap on services in England outside of London until the end of October 2023, with a further cap of £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
The aim is to create longer-term certainty for bus users, particularly those on lower incomes who make nearly three times as many bus journeys as people on higher incomes. The fare cap will be reviewed ahead of the November 2024 deadline.
Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK has welcomed the announcement: “Making buses affordable, particularly during a cost of living crisis, will ensure people stay connected and have access to vital services, work and education.
“It also ensures people can continue to opt for a more sustainable form of transport, reducing congestion, cleaning our air and improving our health and wellbeing.”