National Express warning as £2 cap axed and bus fares to rise

Bus fares across the Midlands will rise after Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed he was axing the £2 cap. Last month, Sir Keir said the current £2 bus fare cap will be increased to £3.

The £2 cap was introduced by the previous government as a response to the cost of living. It was due to come to an end this December.

The new £3 cap will run until the end of 2025. National Express previously confirmed fares will rise across the county when the £2 cap is ditched.

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The bus operator runs the majority of services in the West Midlands. National Express said a single trip would rise to £2.90.

But it said its £2.90 fare was still cheaper than the new £3 cap. A spokesperson said: "In the West Midlands, outside of the £2 single fare cap, the single bus fare is £2.90, so it is already cheaper than the Government's proposed £3 scheme.

"It is important to note that fares in the West Midlands remain among the cheapest in the country. We are exploring what the options are from January and will update customers as soon as possible."

The bus fare increase formed part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Budget in October. The Government said it is trying to bridge what it claims is a £22 billion 'black hole' in the public finances.

There has been backlash against the Government's decision to scrap the cap - but there appeared to be an understanding among ministers and bus companies that keeping the cap long-term may be unsustainable.