MP warns of financial burden from planned bus fare hike

Rebecca Smith, the MP for South West Devon, has raised concerns over the government’s recent decision to increase the national bus fare cap by 50 per cent, warning that it will place a financial strain on regular bus users in her constituency.

The new £3 fare cap, which came into effect on 1 January 2025, replaces the previous £2 cap on single bus fares. 

This hike follows the government's £1 billion investment in bus services, as confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in his pre-budget speech on Monday, 28 October 2024. 

The previous £2 cap was initially set to expire at the end of 2024, but the new policy has sparked concerns about its impact on vulnerable passengers.

Stagecoach South West, one of the main bus operators in the area, told The Moorlander that while many single journey fares will remain at £2, others will rise under the new £3 fare cap. The company also noted that passengers making multiple journeys in one day may find day tickets or longer-period tickets to offer better value than single fares.

Ms Smith has emphasised the disproportionate impact on rural communities, where public transport is often the only option for many residents, particularly those on lower incomes. "Many constituents have shared their concerns with me about the Government's planned 50 per cent hike to the national bus fare cap. The £3 cap will cost regular bus users in my constituency hundreds of pounds,” Ms Smith said. 

“This poorly timed policy will do little to encourage people to use public transport or tackle the cost-of-living, especially when considering that many of my constituents on lower incomes rely on our local bus network.”

In response to the fare increase, Ms Smith has confirmed that the first inquiry of Parliament's Transport Committee, of which she is a member, will examine the impact of the fare hike on rural communities.

Stagecoach South West defended the fare rise, citing the need to reflect increased operating costs. 

A spokesperson for the company said: “For us to continue providing an excellent travel experience that supports the environment, we have had to adjust our fares.” 

However, Ms Smith remains concerned that the fare increase will add financial pressure to families in rural areas, where access to affordable public transport is already limited. 

With the Transport Committee set to investigate the issue, the impact of the bus fare hike on rural communities remains a significant concern, and Ms Smith continues to advocate for her constituents' needs.