MP WELCOMES £2 BUS FARE CAP EXTENSION
Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement that the £2 cap on bus fares has been extended. The cap, originally introduced in January to help combat the cost-of-living crisis, was due to end on the March 31st but an extension has been announced by the Department for Transport until the end of June.
Tim has spoken of the necessity for capped bus fares for the Lake District, as one of the most congested areas in the UK with 85% of visitors to the area currently travelling by car. The Lake District has some of the highest fares for public transport in the country and with its large volume of tourists year-round capped bus fares would help with congestion, the local economy, and combatting climate change.
The extension follows a campaign by Tim to extend the cap. In a letter he wrote to the Minister for Local Transport earlier this month, he said: "In rural areas such as Cumbria, where many people often live miles away from the nearest shop, cheaper bus fares will provide a real shot in the arm for our struggling town centres".
Following the announcement that the cap was to be extended, Tim has vowed to continue the campaign to make it permanent. Speaking this morning he said: "I'm glad the Minister has seen the benefits of the cap and I welcome the extension, but I will be continuing to campaign to see it made permanent. The benefits of capped public transport fares should not be underestimated and are vital for giving a boost to our struggling town centres, keeping rural communities connected, and combatting climate change."