Bus journeys to be capped at £2 - on routes operated by Stagecoach - across Cumbria in New Year

Bus journeys across Cumbria will be capped at £2 in the new year as part of a government scheme.  Stagecoach have signed up to the scheme to cap fares as the government seeks ways to help mitigate the sharp rise in the cost-of-living.

Bus fares vary across different parts of the country and between bus operators and can even reach almost £6 for a single journey in rural areas.

The new cap means passengers in those areas could save more than £60 a month if they took 4 single trips a week.

The average single fare for a 3-mile journey is estimated at over £2.80, meaning that the new fare will save passengers almost 30% of the price every time they travel.

Encouraging more people to use public transport, including buses, is seen as a key factor by the government to help the UK reach its target of being a ‘net zero’ carbon emitter by 2050.

“Buses are by far and away the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys are no more than £2 will assist passengers over the winter months and provide direct help to thousands of households across the country” transport secretary Grant Shapps said.

“We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower daily expenditure.”

Whilst the move has been broadly welcomed, including by the charity Bus Users and the campaign for better transport, Labour has said the move is a “half measure” after “years of soaring fares.”

Labour mayors in Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire have already introduced a £2 cap on fares earlier in the year – higher than the £1.65 cap on journeys in London.

During the pandemic bus passenger numbers declined significantly, along with other public transport users, and figures show usage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The government have said that they will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities and consider future support to help passengers continue accessing reliable and affordable bus services after March.

The £2 cap does not cover bus routes in Scotland.

Governemet announcement: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap