Alun Cairns MP has called on the Welsh Government to follow plans announced in England to cap bus fares to £2.
Millions across England will save money through a new £2 cap on single bus journeys from January to March 2023, backed by up to £60 million to ensure affordable transport across the country.
The move will help passengers with travel costs for work, education, shopping and medical treatments over the winter months while they are facing pressures from the rising cost of living.
Alun Cairns, Local MP for the Vale of Glamorgan wants this policy to be enacted in Wales, stating
"We need a similarly exciting and forwarding thinking initiative in Wales! Buses are so important locally and this policy promotes regular bus use while keeping costs low!
Lets see the same in Wales soon. I recently launched a bus survey and the responses highlighted that the cost of fares was often a barrier to using the services, this policy would help encourage more bus use!"
The average single fare for a 3-mile journey is estimated at over £2.80, meaning that the new fare will save passengers almost 30% of the price every time they travel.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said,
"Buses are by far and away the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys are no more than £2 will assist passengers over the winter months and provide direct help to thousands of households across the country.
This £60 million boost will mean everyone can affordably get to work, education, the shops and doctor’s appointments.
We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower daily expenditure."
