£2 bus fare cap across England announced

The government has announced up to £60 million of funding for bus operators to cap single adult journeys at £2.

The funding will be provided from January to March 2023 and is expected to save people 30 per cent on the average fare.

The money is intended to help with cost-of-living pressures and incentivise greener travel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Buses are by far and away the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys are no more than £2 will assist passengers over the winter months and provide direct help to thousands of households across the country.

The scheme is expected to take 2 million car journeys off the road.

Operators representing around 90% of the bus market have expressed support for the scheme.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "This £60 million boost will mean everyone can affordably get to work, education, the shops and doctor’s appointments.

"We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower daily expenditure."

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: "This will be very welcome news for the millions of people who rely on the bus to get to work, to the shops, to medical appointments and to connect with friends and family. It will also encourage more people to find their nearest bus stop and give the bus a try… where could YOU go for just £2?

"Buses have great potential to cut traffic and carbon emissions, to connect communities and ease loneliness. This £2 fare cap – which we have called for – will help set buses on the road to a bright future."