People can save money on every day travel to work, and make the most of affordable days out this summer, as the ‘Get Around for £2’ scheme is extended for another 4 months, supporting households with the cost of living while growing the economy.
The £2 bus fare cap – previously due to come to an end on 30 June – will now continue until 31 October 2023, helping passengers save a third off the average ticket price.
The offer will be available for single bus tickets on over 5,000 routes in England outside London, helping people get to work, see loved ones, access medical appointments and travel to holiday hotspots for less.
The scheme will then continue at £2.50 for one year until November 2024, thanks to £200 million in government funding to help people save money on travel while growing the economy.
The move is an essential part of the government’s help for households initiative to support everyone through the increased cost of living and will particularly benefit those on lower incomes who take nearly three times as many bus trips than those on higher incomes.
In its first 3 months, the £2 fare cap has brought down bus fares in England outside London by 8%. Research from Transport Focus has also revealed that 11% of respondents are using the bus more thanks to the cap, with 80% agreeing that the £2 tickets have helped with the cost of living.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
‘For the past 6 months, people across England have made the most of £2 bus tickets, which is one of the key ways we’re supporting households with the cost of living.
‘Now we’ve extended the £2 fare cap, people can continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ throughout the summer – taking advantage of the bus for affordable holiday trips, to get to work, access medical appointments, and see loved ones.
‘In addition to helping people make essential journeys on the bus, the £2 bus fare also offers savings to passengers travelling longer distances, either for work or leisure.’
From a trip to the beach on the 12 Coaster between Brighton and Eastbourne, to exploring the Lake District on board the 599 Bowness to Grasmere, the £2 bus tickets offer an affordable and sustainable way to visit some of England’s most idyllic spots this summer.
• Nottingham City Transport extends £2 bus fare cap until October