Man who used £2 buses says price rise 'inevitable'

A man who utilised the government's single bus fare cap scheme of £2 to travel across England and Wales says the impending rise to £3 is "not a surprise".

Andrew Cowell, from Derby, has attracted attention for a series of challenges taking advantage of the scheme, including a trip to Poland.

But in October, as part of the Budget, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the cap would go up as of Wednesday, and run until the end of 2025.

Mr Cowell said: "It's inevitable there will be a little bit of loss [of bus use] overall, but I think it will still help generate more journeys."

Despite the rise, devolved regions like London and Manchester - with metro mayors that have powers over public transport - are keeping the £2 single fare cap.

The government said the new cap ensured services remained affordable and supported travel in rural areas and towns.

One of Mr Cowell's recent trips took him on more than 80 different public transport services at a cost of £170.

He left his home in Allestree to the Lake District, then across to the east coast and down to Kent, before heading to the tip of Cornwall and back through the West Country and Wales.

Mr Cowell said the £2 cap was an "extremely popular policy" that was easy to understand.

"I thought it was inevitable that the cap would go up because there's been inflation in that time, so it wasn't a surprise," he added.

"The £3 fare is still good value in most places, but it was disappointing that fuel tax was frozen at the same time and the temporary 5p cut wasn't reversed - which felt like a kick in the teeth when the fare cap was going up.

"But I do think it is a good a scheme and it will help people on to the bus."

A government spokesperson said: "Buses are the engines of economic opportunity across the country.

"We know that reliable, affordable bus services are vital to keeping Britain moving. That's why the government will cap fares at £3 for an additional year and provide over £1bn to deliver better bus services.

"This will avoid a cliff-edge at the end of this year and keep fares affordable across the country – improving access to opportunities, particularly in towns and rural areas, while offering value for the taxpayer."

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