ADULT single bus fares in Bristol and South Gloucestershire have gone up by 20% – but the rise is smaller than in some parts of the country.
The £2 single fare cap introduced by the previous government in January 2023 was due to end this year, with fares returning to commercially-set levels.
As part of the Budget in October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the cap was being extended until at least December of this year – but would rise by 50%, to £3, on January 1.
Shortly before Christmas Metro Mayor Dan Norris announced that in the area covered by the West of England Combined Authority – South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset – the rise would be capped at £2.40 for journeys of under six miles.
Mr Norris said this meant “local passengers will benefit from some of the lowest fares in the country”.
He said new proposals to extend the ‘fare deal’ planned in conjunction with main bus operator First would be introduced early in the year for discussion by WECA’s committee.
Mr Norris said: “Keeping fares as affordable as possible for local people is crucial for our regional economy and the environment.
“This agreement will mean cheaper fares than the national average and a good deal for people living in more remote areas.
“Meanwhile we are continuing to get on with encouraging tens of thousands of new passengers onto our buses through Birthday Buses, as a key way to grow a sustainable bus network.”
The raising of the national cap was criticised by Silviya Barrett, of pressure group the Campaign for Better Transport, who said: “Buses are our most used form of public transport, so they need to be affordable.
“The fare cap has proved popular with passengers and helped boost ridership, so the government must now look for a long-term replacement for the scheme from next year, to avoid any further rises.”