Tories plan to extend £2 bus fare cap if they win general election

The Conservative Party has unveiled plans to extend the £2 cap on bus fares in England if they are re-elected in July. The pledge, made in his manifesto, promises to maintain the scheme throughout the next Parliament.

They say the move would benefit “young people and low-income households”, with the funding coming from a “rail reform that will save up to £1.5bn a year”. The cap, which was first introduced in January 2023, will end on December 31.

Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), welcomed the pledge, saying: “It’s good to see the Conservative Party recognizing the importance of buses by pledging to continue fully funded support for bus fares if they win the next election “.

But he also accused the party of missing an opportunity, saying: “While they are reaffirming their commitment to supporting bus services in the North and Midlands – with funding reallocated from HS2 – today’s manifesto announcement is a missed opportunity to demonstrate commitment to increasing services across the country. the whole country.”

CONTINUE READING