England's £2 cap on bus fares will be extended until the end of June. The scheme had been due to end on March 21 but has now been extended by three months.
The Department for Transport also confirmed that a three-month extension to bus service funding had also been agreed. The funding was initially introduced during the coronavirus pandemic and bus companies had warned services may be cancelled if a new deal was not struck.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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 which is why protecting our local bus services is so important.”
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The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents bus companies, had said up to 15% of England's bus services could be cancelled if the government funding ended. DfT figures also found that "ridership" on buses outside of London had fallen by 19% compared with pre-Covid levels.
The extension of the fare cap aims to boost passenger numbers and help those travelling for work and education during the cost-of-living crisis. More than 130 operators outside London are charging no more than £2 for a single ticket.
The average three-mile journey outside of London costs around £2.80 but longer journeys can cost more than £5 in some areas. Up to £80million of Government funding will be used to protect services, while the extension of the fares cap is backed by up to £75m.
