The Government has extended the £2 bus fare cap until the end of October, and committed additional funding to help passengers save money on fares and support vulnerable bus routes.
- £2 bus fare extended until 31 October to help passengers with cost of living and then £2.50 until November 2024
- New £300 million Government investment will protect bus services into 2025 and keep travel affordable
- Funding boost will support the bus sector’s long-term recovery, taking total investment for buses to more than £3.5 billion since March 2020
In Hampshire, the Government is providing an additional £3,579,462 for bus companies to extend the £2 bus fare cap, as part of a £500 million investment to freeze bus fares nationally and improve vital local routes. This will help ensure passengers in Aldershot and Farnborough can continue to ‘Get Around for £2’.
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. A further £300 million has been announced to protect routes and services that are relied on for work, education, medical appointments, and shopping. As part of this, local transport authorities will receive £160 million to improve fares, services, and infrastructure, while £140 million will directly support operators in protecting essential services.
Commenting, Leo said:
"Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and hundreds of people across the Aldershot constituency rely on these vital services every day.
"It's excellent news the Government have extended the £2 bus fare cap until the end of October, and locked-in a £2.50 cap from Nov '23 to Nov '24, helping with the cost of living."
Pictured, Stagecoach's Number 1 bus in Court Road, Aldershot