Wokingham MP Clive Jones has called on the government to protect the bus fare cap.
This comes after reports that the Transport Minister Heidi Alexander has refused to commit to the bus fare cap.
In a statement, he said the government has hiked the cap from £2 to £3, something his Liberal Democrats party has called “a bus tax”.
However, commuters are facing another blow following media reports that Heidi Alexander has refused to confirm that the universal bus cap on single tickets won’t be scrapped – and will be replaced by a “targeted” scheme instead.
Jones is urging the government to protect the bus fare cap, arguing the impact on Wokingham could be catastrophic.
Government support for the cap on bus fares has been an important part of Liberal Democrat-led Wokingham borough council’s drive to improve bus services, helping to deliver a huge recovery in bus use since the pandemic alongside council and developer funding.
Wokingham has invested in park and ride services, as well as new and increased frequency routes and timetables, such as the route between Arborfield and Wokingham town which will more than double its service starting next week.
New services need support whilst usage grows, and a lack of commitment from government puts existing and further progress at risk, he said.
Jones saidL “Buses are absolutely vital for so many communities across the country, and here in Wokingham, allowing them to get to school, work, shops or the hospital.
“For years, the Conservatives, both locally and nationally, neglected bus routes and oversaw hundreds of cuts to vital services.
“This government’s decision to hike the bus fare cap has already hurt the most vulnerable people who rely on buses in their daily lives and are struggling to meet living costs.
“To now get rid of the cap altogether would add insult to injury.
“Buses keep a growing Wokingham moving and are essential to the government’s missions to grow the economy, build more houses and decarbonise transport.
“The government needs to change course and support all local councils by committing fully to continuing to grow bus services.”
