Rushcliffe MP James Naish has welcomed the government’s announcement that bus fares across England will be capped at £2 from January 2027 until the end of 2027, saying the measure will make it cheaper for local residents to travel and help with the cost of living.
The announcement comes after the government’s commitment to provide free bus travel throughout August for children aged five to 15 on participating local services.
The £2 fare cap will reduce the cost of everyday journeys, helping people travel to work, school, healthcare appointments and local shops, while making it more affordable for families to get around – especially those living in more rural areas.
The news follows James Naish’s ongoing work to improve public transport across Rushcliffe. Since being elected, he has consistently raised residents’ concerns about local bus services with operators and local authorities, helping to secure a number of changes. These include changes to the No. 11 service’s route between Lady Bay and Nottingham to make it more reliable; an extension to the No. 9 service; a new direct link between Ruddington and Central Avenue in West Bridgford; and the introduction of a new No. 12 service, connecting Cropwell Bishop and Cropwell Butler more reliably to Nottingham.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said:
“While it was understandable that the government previously announced that it couldn’t extend Covid-19 subsidies indefinitely, there is no doubt that for lots of people getting to work, school, hospital appointments or visiting family, buses are a lifeline.
“That’s why I’ve already had lots of emails welcoming the return of the £2 fare cap from January. It will make everyday journeys more affordable and help people keep more money in their pockets.
“Alongside lower fares, I’ll continue working to improve local bus services wherever I can because residents deserve routes that are reliable, affordable and that connect our communities.”
The government says the fare cap forms part of its wider plan to reduce the cost of living while encouraging greater use of public transport.
