The government’s £2 fare scheme has been extended for a second time. However even once this cut price deal ends - passengers will still be able to get discounted bus tickets with fares capped at £2.50 from November for a whole year.
The £2 bus ticket cap applies to over 130 bus and coach operators outside of London and was introduced to help people during the cost of living crisis.
Operators including Arriva, Stagecoach and First Group are all taking part in the scheme, which the government is investing £500 million into - with £300 million to protect bus services into 2025 and £200 million to cover the fare cap extension.
The aim of the scheme has been to get more of us back on the buses, as currently bus passenger numbers are around 85-90% compared with pre-pandemic levels.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the government was extending the scheme as bus travel is, "the most popular form of public transport". And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "By extending the £2 fare cap, we're making sure bus travel remains accessible and affordable for everyone, while helping to ease cost of living pressures."
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| The 65 mile Stagecoach 555 Keswick to Lancaster service offers excellent value, covering a large section of the Lake District for a fare of £2 |
The average single fare costs around £2.80 but in rural areas, it can cost as much as a hefty £5, meaning commuters could save around a third on a single journey. Not only will this help cut household spending, but the scheme aims to reduce emissions and congestion by taking an estimated two million cars off the road.
The scheme started on 1 January and was initially set to run to 31 March 2023, but has been extended twice - the first time until 30 June and now to 31 October.
List of Companies included in the scheme here
