The Department for Transport said the scheme could see some passengers save more than £3 per bus ticket. The average fare for a three-mile journey is around £2.80, the DfT said, adding that this means passengers will save 30% every time they travel. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who announced the scheme, said: “This £60m boost will mean everyone can afford to get to work, education, shops and doctors appointments. “We know people will feel the pressure of rising costs this winter and that’s why we’re working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will reduce day-to-day costs.” Bus companies representing 90% of the market have expressed their support for the plan, the DfT said. Paul Tuohy, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This will be very welcome news for the millions of people who rely on the bus to get to work, shops, medical appointments and to connect with friends and family. . “Buses have great potential to reduce traffic and carbon emissions, connect communities and alleviate loneliness. “This £2 cap on fares – which we have called for – will help put buses on the road to a bright future.” Read more: August food prices rise at fastest rate since 2008 Energy bills rise for millions as price cap rises to £3,549 Care provider faces energy bills 11 times higher – and may have to shut down provisions of the UK in recession this year Alison Edwards, director of policy at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said the idea was a “bleep” – adding that she was looking forward to “understanding in detail how the proposed fare cap will work in practice to ensure it supports the long-term viability of bus networks”. In August, the government announced £130m of funding to keep England’s bus services running in the face of severe cuts. Labor said the fare cap plan was an inadequate “half measure”, with shadow transport secretary Louise Hay adding: “This weekend Labor mayors will cut bus fares for millions of people in the long term. “The government’s 90-day temporary suspension after years of rising fares does not match the scale of the crisis. “Commuters across the country facing a cost-of-living emergency need more than half the meters.”
