New bus rules in england for millions of passengers are 'concerning'

A NEW STUDY BY CUMBRIA TOURISM OF BUSINESSES IN THE AREA FOUND THAT 80 PER CENT OF EMPLOYERS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE REMOVAL OF THE £3 BUS FARE CAP. 10:35, 02 Jun 2025Updated 10:36, 02 Jun

2025 New bus rules in England have sparked fear and anxiety into businesses - especially in the North East of England. A new study by Cumbria Tourism of businesses in the area found that 80

per cent of employers were concerned about the removal of the £3 bus fare cap. Cumbria Tourism said a survey of its businesses found eight in 10 were concerned the removal of the cap would

impact their staff's ability to get to work. "There is concern for employers that if the cap is removed, staff may stop using buses due to cost and this could affect punctuality,

job access and reliability," a spokesman said. The Department for Transport (DfT) said affordable buses were "the lifeblood of communities". READ MORE SMART MOTORWAYS COULD BE

SCRAPPED FROM ENGLAND ENTIRELY Cumbria Tourism, which represents 4,500 businesses in the area, said the cap had been a "lifeline" for staff who often work in remote hotels and

restaurants around the county. Lesley Townson, who works at Lakeside Hotel, said the cap was a "game changer" as she did not drive. Article continues below "If it increased,

I'd either have to rely on others to provide lifts or cut back on essentials elsewhere - neither is a great option," she said. Kyle Nesbitt, who works at Grasmere Gingerbread,

said: "The £3 bus fare makes it possible for me to get to work without it costing a large portion of my income each week." The DfT said it had put in place a £955m bus funding

package to support lower fares. "Our Bus Services Bill will further empower local councils to take control of their services in ways that work for their communities," a

spokesperson said. Article continues below A bus fare cap that has been keeping ticket prices lower for bus passengers is set to be reduced from next year. The current universal £3 limit on

single tickets will be ditched in favour of a more "targeted" approach. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander declined to say whether the cap would remain following Rachel

Reeves' forthcoming spending review.