Philip Dunne MP welcomes extension of bus grant in Shropshire to cap single bus fares at £2, helping to maintain services and ensure constituents can travel affordably.
Philip Dunne MP with Transport Minister Richard Holden MP
Over 140 bus operators outside of London now charge no more than £2 for their single tickets across over 4,600 routes.
On top of this the Government is providing £155 million in Government support across England to ensure services are protected of which Shropshire is getting £279,400.
The scheme, which forms part of the Government's wider Help for Households initiative, is designed to help passengers with travel costs for work, education, shopping, and medical treatments over the winter months while they are facing pressures from the rising cost of living.
The government continues to work with the transport sector on the challenges they face with changing travel patterns since the pandemic and will continue to work on delivering the National Bus Strategy.
Commenting on the announcement South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne said:
“I am pleased the cap on busses in South Shropshire will be maintained at £2 which has been extended to June.
“Originally due to end in October, the Bus Recovery Grant extension is also a welcome initiative and necessary to support bus operators recovering from the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I met Transport Minister, Richard Holden MP, in Parliament to discuss the importance of supporting bus operators in Shropshire.
“In our region we have already seen a reduced service, limiting mobility for many, so it is essential that operators are financially supported to increase patronage and provide a high-class public transport service that centres around the bus needs of our rural community.
“Shropshire Council receives £279,400 for the first quarter of 2023 and a similar amount is expected for the second quarter to June. This will help bus operators through the continuing impact because of the pandemic. I was also encouraged at the Minister's enthusiasm to encourage more elderly and pensioners back onto services now that Covid is behind us”.