Bus passengers will benefit from £2 fares as part of a new scheme to keep costs down.
Five operators in the North East will participate in the new Government scheme from the start of January to the end of March.
Single local bus fares in England cost an average of £2.80 but can exceed £5 in rural areas, according to the Department for Transport. Child fares are also being frozen at £1.
It is hoped the cap will help passengers with the cost of travel for education, work and medical appointments amid the cost of living crisis.
Buses minister and North West Durham MP Richard Holden said: “Brits love buses. They’re the most popular form of public transport in England, making up half of all journeys.
“So we’re investing £60 million to cap single bus fares at £2 to help families, students and commuters, and get people back on the bus.
“The scheme will also take two million car journeys off the road and it’s fantastic to see so many bus operators signing up.
“So, if you’re in Carlisle or Weston-super-Mare, Birmingham or Doncaster, make sure you hop on the bus and get around for £2 between the 1st January and 31st March.”
It is hoped the new scheme will encourage more people to use environmentally friendly public transport.
Bus services in the North East have been marred by cancellations, delays and strike action throughout the year, causing public trust in the system to reach an all time low.
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The five North East operators providing capped £2 bus fares between January-March 2023
Arriva Durham County Ltd
Stagecoach
G Abbott & Sons Ltd, Northallerton
Go North East
Weardale Motor Service
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