Bus fare cap extension welcomed - despite increasing to £3

The current £2 bus fare cap scheme had been set to finish at the end of this year but the Prime Minister has confirmed it will be replaced by a new £3 bus fare cap until the end of 2025.

A bus user in Bridport said they were 'dreading' a spike in bus prices once the scheme ended, and others said they are relieved to see it remain 'reasonably cheap' in 2025.

The X53 in Bridport (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Gesella (Guz) Tidy, chairman of the West Dorset Western Area Transport Group (WATAG), is pleased to see the scheme extended.

She said: "For us around here the scheme ending would double if not triple the bus fare, even from the £3 cap.

"From our point of view, it is a win-win where there is continued support to get people on public transport.

"People rely on the buses. It is a no-brainer having that bus cap."

WATAG Chair Gesella Tidy (Image: Supplied)

Bridport resident Peter Lawrence broke his arm recently and has been using the bus to get to the hospital.

He said: "The £2 cap is great, and a £3 one is not that bad. A pound extra would not bother me that much.

"I am really glad they are keeping it down. It is a real positive thing that you can get on the bus cheap."

Peter Lawrence (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Another Bridport resident, Keith Ackerman, said: "If you can get to Weymouth for £3 that is not bad. I think more people should use the bus, there are too many cars.

"The price cap increase is better than not having it at all."

One person from Charmouth, who did not wish to be named, says she had been dreading a price spike at the end of the year once the £2 scheme ended and is glad to see it continue even at £3.

She said: "I hope they keep it going because it really helps. I have been using the bus more because of it.

"I actually got rid of my car five or six years ago to use the bus, so the cap has helped me a lot.

"I was dreading it going up more at the end of the year, so I am glad it's not."

Jackie Ward, from Portesham, frequently uses the bus to get to Bridport and Weymouth.

She said: "I still think £3 is cheap. Before the cap I was paying £6.50, imagine what I would be paying now.

"For £3 you can get from Weymouth all the way to Lyme Regis. It is cheaper than taking a car and it's less hassle."

A First Wessex spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the Government has not removed the £2 fare cap with immediate effect, as we favour a staggered approach for our customers.

"Avoiding a sudden change is important to help those customers using longer routes, including those in rural areas. We support funding schemes that share our objectives to enable more people to use the bus as a mode of transport that is better for health and the environment."

“We will continue to work with the Government and the wider industry to ensure the best outcome for our customers, avoiding any ‘cliff edges’ to find a solution that enables as many people as possible to use the bus.”