17 May 2023 – The £2 bus fare cap has been extended for passengers across England to access vital bus services, thanks to £500 million in government funding.

The Transport Secretary today confirmed £300 million to protect vital routes and improve services until 2025 that people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.

The government will also provide up to £200 million to continue capping single bus fares at £2 outside London until the end of October 2023 and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.

While initially introduced only as a temporary measure, the £2 fare cap has been extended for the second time to continue helping people save money on travel. Since it started on 1 January this year, the £2 fare has encouraged more people to use the bus.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on these vital services every day. That’s why we’re investing half a billion pounds to help people save money amid cost of living pressures and continue to level up transport in all parts of the country, doing our bit to help halve inflation and grow the economy.”

Read the full news story: Government extends £2 bus fare cap and protects vital services