Andrew Selous welcomes £350,457 of Government funding for bus companies and the Central Bedfordshire Council to extend the £2 bus fare cap, as part of a £500 million investment to freeze bus fares nationally and improve vital local routes – ensuring passengers can continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ while protecting the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The Government is investing £200 million in extending the cap for single bus fares at £2 outside of London until October 2023, and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
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.
Across Central Bedfordshire, journeys such as the return Luton to Dunstable busway will be reduced from £4.30 to £2 – meaning savings of £2.30 per trip.
Commenting, Andrew Selous said:
“Bus services play a vital role in the daily lives of many people in South West Bedfordshire, whether it be helping people get to work or to hospital appointments. I am glad that the Government is dedicating funds to keep fares affordable in our community.”