Passengers across Burnley and Padiham will continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ and access vital bus services thanks to another £500 million in government funding.
To alleviate cost-of-living pressures and promote accessible transportation, bus fares will be capped at £2 for any single journey until the end of October. From November 2024 onwards, fares will be capped at £2.50, providing long-term certainty for bus users over the next year. The fare cap will be reviewed ahead of November 2024.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that inflation will be halved by the end of this year. By extending the fare cap until November 2024, the Government aims to support residents in managing their travel expenses while fostering a more predictable and affordable bus service.
Member of Parliament for Burnley and Padiham, Antony Higginbotham, expressed his support for the lower bus fares, stating:
Bus routes are vital lifelines connecting our community. Whether it’s going to work on Heasonford Industrial Estate, getting to school, Burnley College, or enabling people to get to and from Manchester whilst out with friends and loved ones.
I’ve consistently raised the importance of the bus services, especially in the more rural areas such as Worthorne or Cliviger. And so I welcome the extension of the bus fare cap, which means residents can get about their business at an affordable price.
Accessible and reliable local bus services are not a luxury; they are an essential for people. And I’m committed to ensuring that everyone can rely on high-quality bus transportation that meets our local needs without breaking the bank.
This initiative is a crucial part of the Help for Households campaign, which seeks to assist individuals in coping with the rising cost of living. It will particularly benefit those on lower incomes, who rely heavily on bus transportation and take nearly three times as many bus trips compared to those on higher incomes.
During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels. While passenger levels have gradually recovered to around 85% to 90%, the fare cap aims to encourage more people to return to using buses, which can contribute to reducing congestion and emissions.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
By extending the £2 fare cap, we’re making sure bus travel remains accessible and affordable for everyone while helping to ease cost of living pressures.
Buses connect our communities and play a vital role in growing the economy; they transport people to work, take our kids to school and make sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments.
That’s why we’re determined to protect local routes and encourage more people onto the bus, ensuring people can get around easily and in an affordable way.
