The cost of single bus journeys in England are set to be capped at £2, it has been announced.

The temporary cap will be introduced for journeys from January to March and is backed by up to £60 million in government money in a bid to ensure affordable transport across the country.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the move today (September 3) and says the government money will help bus operators keep the fares at £2.

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Cost of living crisis

The Northern Echo: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a three-month price cap on buses in England to help people in the cost-of-living crisis. Picture: PATransport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced a three-month price cap on buses in England to help people in the cost-of-living crisis. Picture: PA

The move will help passengers with travel costs for work, education, shopping, and medical treatments over the winter months while they are facing pressures from the rising cost of living, he said. 

The Government says bus fares vary across different parts of the country and between bus operators - with some in rural areas seeing ticket prices of £6 for a single journey.

The average single fare for a three-mile journey is estimated at over £2.80, meaning that the new fare will save passengers almost 30% of the price each time they travel.

Mr 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.

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"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."

The Government says operators representing around 90% of the bus market have expressed support for the scheme so far.

Flat-rate bus pilot scheme in Cornwall

The Northern Echo: A Newquay bus in Cornwall. Picture: PAA Newquay bus in Cornwall. Picture: PA

A flat-rate bus pilot scheme, backed by £23.5 million of Government funding, was launched in Cornwall in January and has seen an indicative 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

The ‘Any Ticket Any Bus’ scheme, running over four years, includes a £3 day ticket within towns or a £9 day ticket across all of Cornwall, which is valid across different bus operators.

Dawn Badminton-Capps, director for England of the charity Bus Users, said: "The cap on fares being announced today will bring welcome, short-term relief to the millions of people who rely on buses to access education, employment and health services.

"Buses make a vital contribution to society and Government support is critical in protecting services for the future."

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And Paul Tuohy, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, added: "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."

Alison Edwards, policy director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said the group looked forward to seeing how the cap affect the industry.

"Bus fare caps at £2 are an eye-catching initiative which could help attract new passengers on to the bus, particularly at a time when networks are adapting to new travel patterns, and both customers and operators are facing cost of living and business cost challenges," she said.

"We look forward to understanding in detail how the proposed fare cap will work in practice to ensure it supports the long-term sustainability of bus networks, which are vital in connecting communities with jobs, education and skills, as well as friends, family, and essential public services."

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