That’s just the ticket! Bus fares can be capped at £2 to lower the cost of living
- Bus tickets in England can be reduced for six months – from October
- The tariffs are part of the government’s plan to ease rising prices over the winter
- Especially commuters in rural areas and traveling from suburbs would benefit from this
- Plans could change when a new prime minister is elected by conservatives
Bus fares on all local and regional journeys in England could be capped at £2 this autumn to reduce travel costs.
From October, prices can be reduced for six months, with discounted rates for cross-country trips up to 80 miles and longer than three hours.
Downing Street has reportedly been working on the scheme since April, but it is unknown if a new prime minister will influence its implementation.
The plan comes amid rising fuel prices, with the cost of refueling rising by £9 last month.
Stock image of a 144 bus in Worcestershire. The reduced fares would save commuters money on transportation as the cost of living continues to rise
A source told the Sunday Times: ‘The value of an eye-catching initiative like a £2 flat rate is that the government can stand behind it and say ‘We’ll get you through the winter’.’
Bus services in England are currently more expensive and less common than in London, where the pay-as-you-go fares are £1.65 if taken within an hour.
It means an 80 mile journey from Peterborough to Norwich could be reduced from £12 to £2 and a similar length journey from Leeds to Whitby could be reduced from £19.
A transport ministry spokesman said he would not comment on “speculation”.
But he said in a statement: “We have already committed to investing £3bn in bus services by 2025, to improve fares, services and infrastructure, and have given nearly £2bn to bus companies and local authorities since March 2020 to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.’
The main goal is to reduce the price of travel in rural areas and to city centers from the suburbs, for commuting, shopping, leisure and school trips.
But there will also be big bargains on longer trips.
The price cap will reportedly not apply to long-distance bus services, nor will it apply to Scotland or Wales.
Bus price caps of £2 starting in the autumn have already been announced by the Labor mayors of West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.
They last for three years and are intended to help city commuters.
Bus travel has been declining in the long term since the 1950s, with half the population taking the bus less than once a year.
However, the sudden and dramatic rise in petrol prices means that many motorists are likely to seek alternative ways to get to work and travel locally.