News

£2 bus fare scheme extended until June in Wiltshire

salisburyavonMarch 14, 20230 Comment0

A SCHEME providing £2 journeys on bus routes across Wiltshire has been extended.

The move will see the promotion, which began on January 1, run until June 30.

One bus operator in the county said it saw more than 70,000 reduced-fare trips in the first month it ran.

The scheme aims to get more people to use buses during the current cost of living challenges.

Local operator Faresaver saw a rise in trips in January, with other operators also seeing large numbers of passengers taking advantage of the offer.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport at Wiltshire Council, 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.”

Daniel Pickford, a director at Faresaver, said: “The £2 fare cap scheme has seen more than 70,000 trips have been 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. We have had existing passengers say how much it is helping with the financial pressures many households are feeling at the moment and also new passengers trying the bus for the first time.

“The initiative runs until June 30 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: