The Labour Party’s manifesto makes no mention of the cap, which has supported the bus industry’s post-Covid recovery over the past 18 months
Labour’s manifesto makes no mention of the £2 bus fare cap
Bus operators have expressed disappointment at Labour Party’s silence on the future of England’s £2 bus fare cap. The fare cap has been in place since January 1, 2023, and has helped to support the bus industry’s post-Covid recovery. However, Labour’s manifesto makes no mention of it, prompting fears that it could be withdrawn if the party wins next week’s general election.
It is disappointing that the Labour manifesto is silent on this
Representing bus operators, Graham Vidler, CEO at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “In the short term, the industry needs urgent clarity on the future of the English £2 fare cap which ends on 31 December 2024. It is disappointing that the Labour manifesto is silent on this because passengers could continue to benefit from industry and government working together to keep fares low, particularly if investment is targeted on key passenger groups, such as under 22-year-olds.”
The Conservative Party’s manifesto pledges to retain the £2 fare cap for the next Parliament.
Meanwhile, CPT has welcomed Labour’s manifesto commitment to a long-term transport strategy. “This commitment must be matched with a five-year long-term spending programme, as happens for rail,” said Vidler. “Nothing less will ensure local authorities and operators can maximise investment in buses, drive a swift and smooth transition to a zero emissions fleet, and deliver what passengers want: more bus services going to more places that are also more reliable and quicker.”
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This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.
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