Tim Farron asks Transport Secretary to make bus fare cap permanent

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron urged ministers to extend the £3 bus fare cap.

It comes as Cumbria Tourism said a survey of its businesses found 80% of employers worried the potential removal of the £3 cap on bus fares would impact their staff's ability to get to work.

The cap is set to come to an end in December.

Speaking in the House of Commons during a debate on the Government's Bus Services Bill, Tim said: “In our communities we have nearly full employment, but a lot of people are on extremely low wages. 

“Before the bus fare cap came in, the bus fare from Kendal to Ambleside was the second highest in the entire country, costing people a quarter of their salary to get to work. 

“As the Secretary of State makes sure that devolution happens and that franchising is done in a way that is fit for purpose in each different area, will she ensure that she does not abdicate her responsibility to fully fund the bus fare cap, so that people like my constituents can actually afford to get to work?”

In response, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The honourable gentleman will be aware that there is a spending review under way, but I can confirm that I fully appreciate the importance of having an affordable and accessible bus route. 

“He will be aware that zero funding was allocated to fund the bus fare cap beyond the end of last year, and this Government stepped in with our commitment to the £3 fare. 

“Although it applies to only one in six journeys - because a number of people who travel regularly will use a travelcard for a week or a month - I am aware of the importance that his constituents and others attach to the cap.”