Experts urge bus passengers to make five money-saving checks as new fare cap announced
After the Prime Minister confirmed this week that the Government will increase the £2 bus fare cap, passengers facing a rise in travel costs have been urged to check whether they could be saving money on their journeys.
Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the maximum price for a single bus journey will jump to £3 at the end of this year, an offer that will run until the end of 2025. The move, which came ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Budget on Wednesday, has been labelled a "stealth tax" and attacked by campaigners who have pleaded for the cheaper fares to be maintained.
With millions across the UK relying on buses to get to work or school, attend appointments, and access leisure and social activities, experts at bus ticketing platform GetByBus have shared their top tips on cutting down costs when the new fare cap comes into force. CEO Ante Dagelić said: "Using public transportation is a brilliant way to take advantage of local transport systems, save money and reduce your carbon footprint."
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He added: "Maximising your savings while riding the bus is all about being informed and strategic. These tips aim to help every commuter stretch their hard-earned cash that little bit further." Here are five things to check to see whether you could save on your travel costs.
Buy a weekly or monthly bus pass
"One of the most effective ways of saving money when riding the bus is to purchase weekly or monthly passes," Ante advised. "These passes are often significantly discounted compared to paying for a single journey, especially for those who use the bus daily."
For example, in the North East, Go North East's Route Saver tickets offer seven days of unlimited travel on some of the network's most popular routes, with the Cobalt & Coast 7 Day Ticket priced at £15.50 - saving nearly half the price compared to purchasing two single tickets to get to your destination and back five days a week.
Stagecoach North East also currently offers a Newcastle 7 Day MegaRider which offers unlimited travel in the inner Newcastle area for £17.50, compared to the £30 you would spend on single tickets under the £3 bus fare cap if you are travelling to the office and back five days a week. However, it's worth noting that these prices could increase once the new cap comes into force.
Check if you're eligible for discounts
"Another vital step to reducing your transportation costs is determining if you qualify for a discounted pass," Ante suggested. "Most forms of transport provide reduced fares for specific groups, such as students, apprentices, pensioners and individuals with disabilities."
For example, Stagecoach North East offers half price single tickets to jobseekers who have a valid Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card. Meanwhile, Arriva offers Scholar Saver tickets for those aged five to 18 in full-time education during term time to help students with school journeys, and Go North East has discounted tickets for any passengers aged 25 and under - these are just three of several discounts available to thousands of North East commuters.
These discounts can substantially lower the cost of commuting, making public transportation even more affordable. Eligibility requirements will vary by location, so it's essential to check with your local operator to see what discounts are available and how to apply.
Use bus service mobile apps
Ante explained: "Many transport systems now offer mobile apps that not only make planning your journey easier, but also provide access to exclusive discounts and promotional fares."
These apps often allow riders to purchase tickets or passes directly from their smartphones, sometimes at a lower rate than paying the driver with cash or a physical card. Additionally, mobile apps typically feature real-time updates on bus schedules, helping you avoid missed connections and unnecessary expenses.
Take advantage of seasonal offers
"Taking advantage of seasonal promotional offers is another effective strategy for saving money on bus fares," Ante said. "Many operators run special promotions during holidays, local events, or certain times of the year, offering discounted fares or even free rides."
These promotions often aim to encourage more people to use public transport and can result in substantial savings for regular commuters and occasional riders alike. It's worth keeping an eye on announcements from your local provider or signing up for notifications to ensure you don't miss out on these limited-time deals.
Understand your bus operator's refund policy
Ante advised: "Life is unpredictable, and there may be times when you purchase a pass or ticket that you can't use as planned. Knowing whether you're eligible for a refund or credit can prevent you from losing money on unused fares."
Some transport agencies offer partial refunds on monthly or weekly passes if they are returned before being fully used, while others might allow you to transfer the value of an unused pass to a future date. Some companies offer refunds if your bus arrives late or is cancelled, but this depends on your individual bus provider's terms and conditions.