Free bus pass: £2 fare cap to be extended by Rishi Sunak - ‘so important!’
Released On 26th Feb 2023
The Government’s ‘Get Around for £2’ initiative for bus travel has been well received since it was introduced on New Year’s Day 2023. Now, millions of passengers across England are set to continue to benefit from lower fares.
Mark Harper, transport secretary, has announced an extension to the £2 cap for a further three months.
The £2 scheme was set to end in March, but single bus fares outside of London will be kept at this rate until the end of June.
It is hoped the move will continue to save passengers money and encourage more individuals to use this form of transportation.
Travellers will be able to save almost a third of the ticket price, as the average single local bus ticket costs £2.80.
The providers which will continue with the £2 fare cap scheme are yet to be confirmed, but the Government has vowed to do so in due course.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented on the decision, and said: “I want to make bus travel affordable for all.
“That’s why we’re continuing to cap fares at £2 and protecting local routes, ensuring we have a modern and efficient network that’s accessible for everyone.
“Getting more people onto reliable and affordable buses will strengthen communities and help grow the economy – connecting people to jobs, driving pensioners to see friends and family, and helping people attend medical appointments or access education.
“I’m determined to ensure that no matter where you live, you have the same opportunities to get around easily and can feel pride in your local area.
“This is why protecting our local bus services is so important.”
Patronage on buses is still at approximately 85 to 90 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels, according to the Government, creating challenges for operators.
However, travel by bus remains “the most popular option for commuters”, Mr Harper explained.
He added: “We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes.
“This is helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.”
It is thought the fare cap intervention will offer support to families and commuters, but ideally to all passengers to ease the rising cost of living.
The £2 fare cap is likely to be useful for those who are not eligible for the free bus pass or concessions on travel.
At present, those living in most places in England can only get the free bus pass once they reach state pension age.
Whereas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and London, the typical eligibility age for a free bus pass is 60.
There are, however, numerous groups who are eligible for the free bus pass or discounted travel.
This includes:
- State pensioners
- Those cannot walk long distances due to a disability, injury or illness
- Individuals who are diagnosed as blind, partially sighted, deaf or unable to speak
- People who do not have arms or are unable to use their arms
- Anyone with a learning disability which is severe
- Universal Credit claimants, who may be able get 50 percent off their travel while job hunting
- People who have been refused a driving licence due to their health
- Over 60s who are residents in Wales
- Over 60s who live in Scotland
- Northern Irish residents who are over 60
- Under 22s who live in Scotland.
