PLANS to increase the cap on bus fares by £1 will heat the least well-off, especially in rural, isolated and disadvantaged community, Liberal Democrat councillors warn.

Councillors highlighted the impact on residents who are already struggling with the cost of living and called for the cap on bus fares to be maintained at £2 rather than £3, as proposed by the Labour Government.

An average commuter who takes the bus every working day of the week could face an extra £448 bill because of the change, Lib Dem B&NES Council members fear.

Increasing the fare cap comes at a time when cuts in bus routes and gaps in service already affect many residents across the district. Rural communities are especially at risk of becoming further isolated without access to affordable and reliable bus services, they fear.

Cllr Fiona Gourley (Lib Dem, Bathavon South) and ember advocate for rural communities, brought a motion opposing the removal of the price cap to the full B&NES Council meeting on November 21. The motion was adopted by 37 votes in favour, to against and 2 abstentions.

Cllr Fiona Gourley, commented: “With the reduction of government subsidy, the increase to £3 will affect poorer residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. An increase in fares will make bus travel more expensive and push more people into driving cars, even those who don’t want to.

“Affordable buses are an essential service, and we all share the need to reduce car journeys, for health, environmental and economic reasons. Putting up the cost of buses by 50% will increase congestion and pollution throughout B&NES.”

Anna Sabine, Liberal Democrat for Frome and East Somerset, said: “In my time as an MP, I have become increasingly aware of the crucial role bus services play in a rural community such as Frome and East Somerset. Rural areas are routinely short on access and public transport and buses play an integral role in people’s lives.

“Buses are one of the more environmentally friendly options for travel and should be encouraged. This risks the viability of it as an option for those that need it. Maintaining and improving access to buses is one of my top priorities.”

Louise Haigh MP, secretary of state for transport, said in a written statement to parliament at the end of last month: “The current £2 cap on single bus fares had been due to come to an end on 31 December 2024. Under the plans of the previous administration, funding for the current cap on bus fares had been due to expire at the end of 2024.

“From January 1 through to the end of December 2025, we will introduce a new single fare cap at £3 to ensure millions of people can access affordable bus fares and better opportunities all over the country. This will particularly benefit passengers in rural communities and towns and will save passengers up to 80 per cent on some routes.

“The cap means no single bus fare on routes included in the scheme will exceed £3.”