A GOVERNMENT initiative to get more people to use the bus by reducing all fares to a maximum of £2 has been so popular that it has been extended. 

The £2 single bus fare cap was due to end in March but will now run until June 30.

Bus fares for single journeys on most routes in Wiltshire were priced at £2 or less from January 1 this year.

The fare change is proving very popular in Wiltshire, with one bus operator in the county seeing more than 70,000 reduced-fare trips in the first month alone.

The extended fare price reduction is aimed at getting more people to use buses during the current cost of living challenges.

Local operator Faresaver has seen a rise in trips in January, and other operators around Wiltshire are also seeing large numbers of passengers taking advantage of the offer.

Cabinet member for transport Caroline Thomas said: “It’s fantastic news that the government has decided to extend the £2 bus far scheme until the end of June, and that so many people in Wiltshire taking advantage of this offer.

“Taking the bus not only helps to maintain bus routes in Wiltshire, but it also helps to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and improve air quality, which are all aims in our business plan.

“As the offer now runs into the summer, there is plenty of time for people to take advantage and explore Wiltshire by bus – and save money at the same time.”

Director at Faresaver Daniel Pickford said: “The £2 fare cap scheme has seen more than 70,000 trips made on our services in January alone.

“It’s great to see so many people taking advantage of this offer and the feedback we have received so far has been really positive.

“The initiative runs until 30 June and so we encourage everyone to make the most of this offer while it lasts.”

Most bus services are included in the promotion, including services operated in Wiltshire by the following bus companies:

·         Beeline Coaches

·         Coachstyle

·         Damory Coaches

·         Faresaver

·         First Bus

·         Fromebus

·         Libra Travel

·         MoreBus

·         Stagecoach

·         Salisbury Reds

·         SouthWest Coaches

·         Swindon’s Bus Company