Cornwall Council Pledges to Keep Bus Fares Low Amidst National Cap Increase

Cornwall Council has stated its commitment to maintaining the lowest possible prices for single bus tickets, following the government’s announcement of its plan to raise a nationwide price cap. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the £2 cap on single bus journeys is scheduled to increase to £3 in the upcoming Budget on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Cornwall Council remarked: “We’ve been subsidising fares to keep them at reduced prices since we introduced our Bus Fares Pilot in April 2022, allowing passengers to save millions of pounds.” The spokesperson further added: “We look forward to receiving details of any new scheme, and will continue to work with the Department for Transport to continue to keep all single bus tickets at as low a price as possible going forwards.” The current cap was established under the previous Conservative government and is set to expire at the end of December. Sir Keir also commented: “I do know how much this matters, particularly in rural communities where there is heavy reliance on buses.” The forthcoming £3 cap, which will encompass most bus journeys across England, is slated to remain in effect until the end of 2025. The council recently reversed a prior decision to discontinue some weekly bus passes, following considerable public opposition.