“We are pleased that the government has taken steps to implement
a managed exit from the £2 fare cap in line with our proposals.
While it will avoid the dangers of a cliff edge at the end of
this year, an increase to £3 will still present challenges for
many passengers, particularly those who rely on buses as their
primary means of affordable travel
As the new fare cap takes effect, the industry will work closely
with government and local authority partners to ensure passengers
understand how fares will change and are informed about the range
of ticketing options available to help manage travel costs.
While this increase represents a step toward making the fare cap
more sustainable, CPT remains concerned about the potential
impact on services if fare changes are not matched with long-term
funding. Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of CPT, stated, “The move
to a £3 fare cap for one year reflects the government's intent to
gradually transition fare policy, but it must be backed by a
consistent funding strategy. Without this support, we risk seeing
essential services, especially in rural and underserved areas,
become unsustainable over time. Affordable travel should not come
at the cost-of-service viability.”
CPT will continue to engage with government and local authorities
to advocate for the funding and support needed to maintain and
strengthen the UK's bus network. By aligning fare structures with
sustained investment, we can protect essential routes, ensure
affordability, and promote a reliable bus network that serves
communities across the country.”
