This week, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, has welcomed the decision to extend the £2 bus fare cap, helping passengers save money on fares while supporting vulnerable bus routes.
In Cumbria the Conservative Government is investing £876,873 as part of a £500 million package to freeze bus fares nationally and improve vital local routes–ensuring passengers can continue to ‘Get Around for £2’ while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The Conservative Government is investing £200 million in extending the cap for single bus fares at £2 outside of London until October 2023, and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
Originally a temporary measure, the scheme has proved so successful, encouraging more people to use local bus services, benefitting local economies and helping passengers with the cost of living, it was extended.
A further £300 million has been announced to protect routes and services that are relied on for work,education, medical appointments, and shopping. As part of this, local transport authorities will receive£160 million to improve fares, services, and infrastructure, while £140 million will directly support operators in protecting essential services.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, added:
"I'm delighted our Conservative Government is supporting our vital bus infrastructure across the nation, helping people get to work, access education and meet friends and family. This critical measure will help people to keep costs down, as the Conservatives work to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt.
"The next step is for Cumbria's two new Unitary Authorities to take the baton forward and provide more frequent and wide-reaching bus routes to unlock our county's economic and social potential. I wrote to them earlier in the year to take full advantage of Government funding and I would reiterate this again."
Commenting, Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, added:
"Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on these vital services every day.
"This half a billion pounds investment will help people save money amid cost of living pressures and continue to level up transport in all parts of the country, doing our bit to help halve inflation and grow the economy."
