According to the Department for Transport, the £60m plan could see some passengers save more than £3 per bus ticket. The department said the average fare for a three-mile journey is around £2.80, meaning passengers will now save 30 per cent on the price every time they travel. Mr Shapps said: “Buses are by far the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys do not cost more than £2 will help passengers in the winter months and provide immediate help to thousands of households in the whole country. . “This £60m boost will mean everyone can afford work, education, shops and doctors appointments. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA wire) “We know people will feel the pressure of rising costs this winter so we are working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will reduce everyday costs.” The new fare cap will see the government work with operators and local authorities to introduce the scheme, with the Department for Transport claiming that bus companies representing 90 per cent of the market have voiced their support for the program. Single fares that are already below £2 will not be affected by the cap. 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.” Severe cuts to bus services in England were averted last month thanks to new government funding after it was announced that £130m would be made available to keep services running. Alison Edwards, policy director at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, called it an “impressive initiative” and said she “looks 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”. Labor called the plan inadequate and accused it of being a “half measure”. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “This weekend Labor mayors will deliver long-term cuts to bus fares for millions of people. “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.”
