MOREBUS has welcomed the government’s extension of the price cap for bus fares in its autumn budget. 

Single bus fares in England have been capped at £2 outside London since January 2023 – meaning even a ticket from Bournemouth to Salisbury costs just £2. 

But while a cap has been kept as part of Rachel Reeve’s budget on October 30, single fares will rise 50 per cent to £3. 

Morebus’ spokeswoman said the Poole-based firm “applauds” the government for keeping a cap. 

Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

She said: "The bus fare cap grant scheme has supported significant recovery in patronage, showing that with appropriately priced fares and simple ticketing, the bus is an attractive mode of transport for the public.  

“We applaud the government for continuing this scheme and look forward to working with our local authority partners to roll it out in the new year. 

“Buses play an important role in connecting communities, supporting workplaces and enabling economic growth and greater productivity.  

“We are ready to work with the government to develop a long-term plan for fares beyond the end of 2025, and on improvements to the bus network more broadly.” 

Silviya Barrett, director of policy and research at pressure group Campaign for Better Transport, welcomed the government not scrapping the cap completely, but described the change as “a significant increase that could be costly to many”. 

She said: “The scheme’s success has proven that by making public transport more affordable, more people will use it, and we strongly urge the government to put a plan in place to keep fares low for years to come. 

“It is vital that the government now carries out a full review of what other discount fares could replace the cap in the long-term to avoid any further rises.” 

Transport secretary Louise Haigh said capping fares at £3 would “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”. 

She added: “Our bus revolution will give every community the power to take back control of their services, end the postcode lottery of services and turn the page on four decades of failed deregulation.”