£3 bus fare cap raises concerns for rural residents

The government has announced that single bus fares will be capped at £3 until the end of 2025, a move designed to keep services affordable and support travel in rural areas and towns. 

This new cap increases from the current £2 limit, which will remain in effect until 31 December 2024.

While the fare cap aims to address the “postcode lottery” of bus services and promote economic growth, it has raised significant concerns among rural residents. 

Critics argue that the increased fares will place an additional financial burden on those who rely on public transport for essential travel.

The Department for Transport has confirmed an additional £925 million investment for the 2025/2026 financial year to improve bus services nationwide, bringing total bus investment from the Budget to over £1 billion.

 Local authorities will be able to utilise this funding to introduce new bus routes, increase service frequency, and protect vital routes that serve local communities.

Stagecoach, which operates bus routes across North Devon, welcomed the government's announcement. 

A spokesperson stated: “We acknowledge the Government's announcement of a new £3 bus fare cap and welcome the clarity it provides. We look forward to working with the Government to understand the details of the new scheme in the coming days and weeks. Our goal remains to provide reliable and affordable transport options that benefit our communities.”

However, the £3 fare cap has drawn criticism from some quarters. 

CPRE, the countryside charity dedicated to promoting, enhancing, and protecting rural areas, has expressed concerns about the impact of increased fares on vulnerable populations. 

CPRE rural transport campaigner Brad Taylor stated: “The increased bus fare cap will see rural bus users paying higher fares for dwindling services. The greatest impact will be felt by the poorest and most vulnerable people in society.”

Mr Taylor further argued that the rising fares could exacerbate social isolation for those without access to a car, limiting their access to education and employment opportunities. 

He added: “Any money raised by the fare cap increase should be invested in our crumbling rural public transport networks. Only bold and ambitious reform will unlock the economic potential of the countryside and allow the people who live there access to work, education, and leisure that those elsewhere take for granted.”

Local residents in North Devon have taken to social media to voice their concerns.

One user remarked: “Another stab in the back of people with a low income,” while another highlighted the difficulties of commuting: “To get my daughter to school, we would need two buses there (£6 each one way each day) plus back again, so it's just not cost-effective as it’s cheaper to run the car. Even a weekly ticket costs more, plus there isn’t a weekly ticket for children and no longer return tickets. The £3 cap is great if you have a bus going a long distance, but for commuting or getting around town, it’s useless.”

Others expressed frustration with the reliability of local bus services. 

One resident stated: “Wouldn't mind if you could rely on a regular service instead of three buses together and then nothing for an hour,” while another simply said: “I would like more buses.”

As the new fare cap will come into effect next year, rural residents are left questioning how these changes will impact their access to essential services and opportunities, particularly for those who depend on public transport for their daily commutes.