Government break silence over end of £2 bus fare cap in December

The government has broken its silence over ending the £2 bus fare cap in December. The new Labour Party government spoke out in the House of Lords this week in a major update for bus passengers and those who use public transport in the UK.

Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat - Life peer) asked in the Lords to "question to the Department for Transport". He said: "To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support the bus industry when the £2 bus fare cap comes to an end on 31 December?"

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said: "Delivering reliable and affordable public transport services for passengers is one of the Government’s top priorities and we know how important this is for passengers and for local growth.

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"The Government is urgently considering the most effective and affordable ways to deliver on these objectives." The fare was due to rise to £2.50 at the end of October 2023 but this has now been revised meaning passengers can continue to benefit from a reduced fare. The cap, applies to more than 130 bus operators outside of London.

Encouraging more people to use public transport, including buses, is seen as a key factor by the government to help the UK reach its target of being a ‘net zero’ carbon emitter by 2050.

Stagecoach and Cumbria Classic Coaches had previously signed up to the scheme to cap fares as the government seeks ways to help mitigate the sharp rise in the cost-of-living and also to encourage people to use buses. In the West Midlands, routes NOT included in the cap include Arriva Midlands North Ltd's 894, 895, 99, AV1, BLU, GRN, PNK.

Diamond's B1, BEWD, DRT, N1, N2, R1, 500, 502, 828, 829, 302, S77 are also exempt. The National Express 100, SFA1, SFA2, 710 will not be included either.