Derbyshire Transport Official Expresses Disappointment Over Bus Fare Cap Increase

A leading transport official in Derbyshire has voiced her dissatisfaction regarding the government’s proposal to raise the single bus fare limit from £2 to £3. Charlotte Cupit, who serves as the cabinet member for highways assets and transport at Derbyshire County Council, characterized the decision as akin to a “tax on transport.” Before the budget presentation on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the £2 single bus fare cap in England would be elevated to £3. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget declaration featured increases in taxation and reductions in expenditure, aimed at addressing an asserted £22bn deficit in public finances attributed to the preceding administration. Ms Cupit stated: “I know from many residents how popular this scheme has been in encouraging people to use the bus, but also as a help with daily travel costs and expenses.” She added: “This increase feels like a tax on transport we all rely on as well as on working people.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Conservative-led county council has been implementing a £47m Bus Improvement Plan, which includes the construction of two new bus stations and upgrades at eight additional sites, with the goal of fostering public transport use and contributing to the reduction of congestion and CO2 emissions. Ms Cupit remarked that the elimination of the £2 cap occurs at a “crucial time as bus services are continuing to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.” She further commented: “Bus services need passengers to be sustainable and this move risks deterring that.” The Confederation of Passenger Transport has expressed concerns that raising the single bus fare cap to £3 could create difficulties for numerous passengers. Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged his understanding of the significance of this issue to individuals, especially in rural areas where dependence on bus services is more pronounced. This new fare limit is projected to remain in effect until the close of 2025, succeeding the current £2 cap that was scheduled to conclude in December.