UK Government Boosts Bus Services with £155m Investment, Extends Fare Cap
The UK government, in collaboration with the bus sector, is implementing changes to accommodate shifting travel patterns and introducing reforms under the National Bus Strategy. An additional £75m has been allocated to safeguard the bus fare cap outside London until the end of June, with the Local Government Association welcoming the funding but advocating for a long-term, reformed bus funding model.
The government has pledged a £155m boost for bus services nationwide. Currently, the average single bus ticket costs £2.80, and passengers can save nearly a third through the fare cap scheme. From April 1 to June 30, £80m will be allocated to ensure continued access to essential bus services. An independent survey revealed that 7% of people have reported using the bus more since the introduction of the fare cap scheme.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is committed to making bus travel affordable and accessible for all. Bus usage plummeted during the pandemic, dropping to as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels. However, it has since recovered to around 85-90% of pre-Covid levels. David Renard, transport spokesperson for the Local Government Association, has expressed support for the government's efforts while calling for a sustainable, long-term funding solution.
The government's £155m investment in buses aims to make travel more affordable and accessible. The fare cap extension and additional funding will support bus services and encourage more passengers, with the Local Government Association advocating for a lasting, reformed funding model to secure the future of the bus sector.
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