Bus fares in rural areas of England have dropped by 11%, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.
Defra said the drops in fares are due to the £2 fare cap, which was introduced in January of this year.
The ‘Get Around for £2‘ scheme was originally scheduled to end on March 31, 2023, but was extended until October 31, 2023.
After October 31, it will then run at £2.50 until November of 2024.
Yesterday (September 21, 2023), new statistics from the Department of Transport (DfT) showed the overall price of bus fares in England, outside London, has dropped by 7.4% between June 2022 and June 2023, mainly due to the extension of the scheme.
The £2 fare cap has cut travel costs, particularly in rural areas, where buses are crucial for so many people to get around, with the average fare dropping by 10.8% in rural and non-metropolitan parts of England, Defra said.
Minister for Rural Affairs, Lord Benyon, said: “We are putting the needs of people and businesses in rural areas at the heart of policy-making.
“Bus services are a vital part of this, as a lifeline for communities and in supporting local businesses in our rural economy.
“By easing the cost of transport in some of our most remote areas, we can help bring people together and build on the wider work we are doing to help rural communities thrive.”
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Our ‘Get Around for £2’ scheme has slashed overall bus fares for millions across England, as we continue to help people save money on travel, boost transport connections and grow the economy.
“Whether you want to visit loved ones, head to work or attend a medical appointment, taking the bus continues to be a vital link for people to get around.”
