Lancaster District Bus Users’ Group comments on the single fare cap rising to £3

Lancaster District Bus Users’ Group has spoken out about the single fare cap rise to £3.

The current £2 limit was introduced under the previous government which is set to expire next month, as announced in the budget.

The £1 offer on most evenings and Sundays and bank holiday routes, introduced by the Lancashire County Council in May, will continue for now.  

Currently the travel cost on most Lancashire buses is £1 after 7pm, seven days a week, and £1 on any bus in the county on Sundays and bank holidays, an offer which will likely last until at least March 2025.

Jim Davies, chair of the Lancaster Bus Users’ Group commented on being “fairly relaxed” about the news.

He said: “I don’t think anybody thought the cap would be permanent and we were worried that it would be abolished altogether. It’s not as bad as it’s been portrayed.

“It was only a cap on single fares. A lot of people who travel regularly won’t really be saving an awful lot of money. The people who lose out, will be those who make longer journeys, people who go up to the Lakes, Blackpool or Preston.”

In the first Budget by new Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, the government announced the cap of single bus fares to £3 from 1st January until the end of next year. Nearly £925m would be invested into delivering high quality bus services and the protection of vital routes.  

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A government spokesperson said: “Millions of people will enjoy better bus services as the government invests over £1bn to protect vital bus routes and cap bus fares, particularly in rural communities and towns where there is a heavy reliance on buses.”

“The government’s announcement will ensure fares remain affordable from January 1 2025 and prevent a financial cliff-edge for bus operators that would have seen vital services put at risk across the country.”

“The £3 maximum fare cap will keep bus travel affordable while ensuring the cap is fair to taxpayers, helping millions of people access better opportunities and protect vital bus routes, particularly lifeline services in rural communities.”

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transport, noted: “Now that the Autumn Budget has been presented to Parliament, we will be taking some time to review its contents and implications on council services in Lancashire. Residents will be informed of any proposed changes that may come forward as a result.” 

Councillor Gina Dowding, of the Green Party, added: ”I am disappointed that the Chancellor in her budget has decided to keep the discount on the cost of driving while giving everyone that relies on buses an increase by raising the £2 bus fare cap to £3.”