New regulations set to remove the £3 bus fare cap in England have raised concerns among local businesses, particularly in Cumbria and the wider North East region. A recent survey by Cumbria Tourism found that 80% of employers fear the removal could disrupt their staff’s ability to commute affordably, potentially affecting workforce punctuality and reliability.
Public transport remains a vital lifeline for many communities, especially in rural and remote areas where alternative travel options are limited. The changes to bus fare policies come at a time when local economies are striving to recover and maintain stable employment.
Bus Fare Cap Removal Worries Businesses Over Staff Access and Costs
According to a study conducted by Cumbria Tourism, which represents around 4,500 local businesses, the removal of the universal £3 cap on single bus tickets is causing significant anxiety among employers.
Eight in ten businesses surveyed expressed concern that higher fares would deter staff from using buses, which could impact their ability to get to work regularly and on time.
A spokesman for Cumbria Tourism highlighted that the bus fare cap had acted as a “lifeline” for employees working in geographically dispersed locations, such as remote hotels and restaurants across the county.
The financial strain of increased fares may force some workers to seek alternative, often more expensive, transport methods or reduce discretionary spending elsewhere.
Individual testimonies from employees further illustrate the impact of the cap removal. Lesley Townson, an employee at Lakeside Hotel, explained that without the cap, she would face difficult choices such as relying on lifts or cutting back on essential expenses, given that she does not drive.
Similarly, Kyle Nesbitt, who works at Grasmere Gingerbread, emphasised that the £3 fare made commuting affordable and prevented travel costs from consuming a large part of his income.
Government Response and Future of Bus Funding and Services
The Department for Transport (DfT) acknowledges the importance of affordable bus travel, describing it as the “lifeblood of communities.” In response to fare concerns, the DfT has introduced a £955 million bus funding package aimed at supporting lower fares and enhancing local services.
A spokesperson from the DfT stated that the government’s Bus Services Bill is intended to empower local councils with greater control over their bus services to better meet community needs. However, the precise future of the fare cap remains uncertain, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander declining to confirm whether the cap will be retained following the upcoming spending review led by Rachel Reeves.
The shift from a universal fare cap to a more “targeted” approach reflects wider efforts to reform bus services, though it has left many businesses and workers in affected regions worried about the affordability and accessibility of public transport moving forward.
