PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP
MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, welcomed today’s announcement from the Government that a new bus fare cap will be introduced, when the previous scheme reaches its scheduled end in 2024.
The previous government’s scheme had been scheduled to end at the end of 2024, providing no protection for bus fares from 2025 onwards. Today, the Prime Minister announced that for 2025 a new £3 fare cap will come into effect, preventing a potential spike in bus fares which could have hurt passengers and put local services at risk.
Mr Strathern is an active campaigner in support of local bus services, which are often key lifelines for those living in rural communities, like the Hitchin constituency. He has previously supported campaigns to oppose the closure and reduction of routes, including the recent successful campaigns to reinstate services to Lilley.
This announcement follows earlier action by the Government to give local communities the power to take back control of bus services, with local authorities given powers to run their own bus franchises in the interests of their local communities.
Alistair Strathern MP said:
“Today’s announcement is welcome news for those that depend on our local busses.
“The previous government’s planned ending of the fare cap scheme would have risked prices spiking and bus routes being withdrawn.
“In spite of the difficult financial situation we have inherited, I am glad the current government is protecting our bus fares and routes with a new fare cap.
“Alongside plans to give back control of bus franchising to local communities, this announcement underlines the new government’s commitment to protecting and improving bus services for rural communities like ours.”
Image - Unsplash/Jack Lucas-Smith
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