Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden has welcomed the Department of Transport’s announcement of a further extension to the £2 bus fare cap until the autumn.
Bus users across Wealden and East Sussex have been benefitting from bus fares of no more than £2 for a single journey since 1 January 2023 as part of the Department for Transport’s new fares initiative to ensure affordable transport. The scheme was due to conclude at the end of June, but the Government is investing £200 million in extending the cap for single bus fares at £2 outside of London until October 2023, and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
This comes as part of a £500 million investment to freeze bus fares nationally and improve vital local routes, ensuring passengers can continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. Any single tickets previously cheaper than this will remain the same price.
Although the initial cap announced at the start of this year was introduced as a temporary measure, the scheme has successfully encouraged many more people to use local bus services, benefitting local economies, supporting jobs, and helping passengers with the cost of living.
An additional £300 million has also been announced to protect routes and services that are relied on for work, education, medical appointments, and shopping.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Bus services are a vital mean of transport for many Wealden residents, and keeping the cost of fares down will make a real difference to many people who rely on these services every day. I welcome the announcement of a further extension to the £2 bus fare cap and the Government’s commitment to improving vital local routes, both of which will provide direct help to thousands of households in Wealden and across the country.”
