Sir Ed Davey Urges U-Turn on Bus Fare Cap Increase During High-Street Visits
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has turned his focus to high-street businesses in a push against the Government’s decision to raise the bus fare cap. The visit comes after plans for a campaign launch involving a bus-driving lesson at an Oxfordshire depot failed in his latest publicity stunt, where previously he's been on bungee jumps and involved in wheel barrow races .
Originally scheduled to meet bus company representatives and discuss the implications of the £1 fare increase, Sir Ed instead visited shops in Wantage. The campaign highlights research suggesting higher fares may deter people from traveling to local high streets.
Since January 2023, single bus fares outside London have been capped at £2, with fares within London set at £1.75. However, the cap will rise to £3 until the end of 2025, as announced in the recent Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Public Concerns Over Rising Fares
A poll by Savanta, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, found that one in three bus users outside London expect to take buses less often due to the fare hike. Nearly one in five (17%) of those users say this will reduce their likelihood of shopping locally. The survey included 1,437 adults in England (excluding London) and was conducted between November 8 and 10.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport defended the increase, stating:
“The previous fare cap was due to expire at the end of 2024, with fares set to soar by as much as £13 on the most expensive routes unless we intervened. The £3 cap will lead to savings of up to 80% on some routes, keeping tickets affordable across the country.”
Liberal Democrats Call for Action
The Liberal Democrats argue that the fare hike will disproportionately affect commuters and local businesses already struggling with economic challenges. Sir Ed Davey criticized the move as a "bus tax," saying:
“The fare cap increase is like a bus tax for people across the country, impacting bus users and commuters already struggling to make ends meet. MPs must be given a say on this bus fare hike on behalf of their constituents.
“This bus fare hike will hit cherished local businesses and high streets, many of which are already struggling. The Government needs to change course and boost struggling local economies by investing in bus routes.”
Campaign for Affordable Public Transport
The Liberal Democrats have called for a reversal of the fare cap increase, advocating for stronger investment in bus services to support local economies and maintain affordability for commuters. Sir Ed Davey’s high-street visits and ongoing campaign efforts underscore the party’s commitment to delivering this message to Parliament and the public.