Bus trips in the UK will be capped at £2 from January to March next year to help people cope with the rising cost of living.
The Department for Transport says the scheme could save some passengers more than £3 per bus ticket.
The DfT says the average fare for a three-mile journey is around £2.80, adding that this means passengers will save 30% each time they travel.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who announced the plan, said: “This £60m increase will mean everyone can afford to go to work, to education, to shops. and doctor appointments.
“We know people will feel the pressure to increase costs this winter, and so we’ve worked hard this summer to provide practical, concrete help to reduce day-to-day spending. “
Bus operators representing 90% of the market have expressed support for the plan, the DfT said.
Paul Tuohy, executive director of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “This will be great news for the millions of people who rely on buses to get to work, to shops, to medical appointments and to stay connected. with friends and family..
“Bus have great potential to cut traffic and carbon emissions, connect communities and alleviate loneliness.
“This £2 fare cap – which we’ve been calling for – will help put buses on the path to a bright future.”
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Alison Edwards, policy director for the Passenger Transport Federation, said the idea was “eye-catching” – adding that she was looking forward to “understanding the details of how the proposed fare cap would work”. in practice to ensure it supports the long-term sustainability of the bus network”.
In August, the government announced £130 million in funding to keep bus services running in the UK in the face of severe cuts.
Labor said the fare cap scheme was an inadequate “half measure”, with shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh adding: “This weekend, the Labor mayor will reduce bus fares for millions of people in the long run.
“The government is temporarily offering a 90-day remission after years of soaring ticket prices that are out of proportion to the scale of the crisis.
“Passengers across the country are facing a cost of living emergency that needs more than half the measures.”
