The UK government has extended the Bus Recovery Grant revenue support and Bus Fare Cap Grant scheme in England for three months in a £155 million funding package.
Richard Holden MP, Roads and Local Transport Minister, confirmed £80 million in recovery grant funding from April to the end of June, aimed at protecting vital bus services that people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping.
The government also announced plans to provide up to £75 million to cap single bus fares outside of London at £2, saving passengers money and encouraging more people back on the bus.
Millions of passengers have taken advantage of the new £2 flat fare scheme since it began on January 1.
The government’s existing £60 million investment to cap single bus fares has shown early signs of increased bus use, with an independent survey of 1,000 people from passenger watchdog Transport Focus finding 7% of respondents were using buses more.
Janette Bell, Managing Director for First Bus UK, said: “We welcome the Government’s extension of the Bus Recovery Grant, which will help protect vital services for passengers for a further three months.
“It is now critical all parties use this three-month extension to move away from short-term funding fixes and instead, build a sustainable settlement to unlock the economic, net zero and social wellbeing potential of bus services.”
