- government's £3 bus fare cap continues to help families
tackle the cost of living, allowing families to travel to festive
events for less
- in place until March 2027, the £3 fare cap will give people
all the way from Southend to Sunderland, the option to leave the
car at home over the holidays to attend Christmas markets or
firework nights on New Year's Eve
- continues government plan to reverse decline in bus services,
following the Bus Services Act and last week's £3 billion funding
boost
Lovers of all things festive are being encouraged to leave the
car at home this Christmas, thanks to the government's £3 bus
fare cap.
With tens of thousands of people flocking to Christmas markets
over the coming days the bus offers a cheap and easy approach to
get families out and about over the coming weeks.
Not only is it more hassle-free to get the bus to these markets
but it also means everyone can enjoy their day without the worry
of driving home.
Thanks to the government's support for bus services, passengers
can enjoy their favourite festivities, while saving pennies. For
instance Southampton's Park & Ride route will cost just £3
for up to 5 people until January 4 – just one example of local
authorities going further to reduce the costs for
passengers.
With numerous New Year's Eve firework displays also taking place
across the country, ranging from Sunderland's famous fireworks
event around Keel Square to Southend's spectacular seafront
display, there are even more opportunities to take advantage of
government-subsidised fares.
Roads and Buses Minister said:
Christmas is the time of year for seeing friends and family,
making it the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our £3 bus
fares, leave the car at home and save money.
The UK has so many exciting events during this festive period for
people to enjoy, whether it be cosy markets or exciting New
Year's Eve firework displays. We're putting passengers first,
investing £3 billion into bus services, there has never been a
chance to get on board than this Christmas.
The government has made huge strides in its bus revolution over
the past year. Just last week the government announced a
multi-year, £3 billion investment in
bus services across the country.
This can then be spent by local authorities in whatever way they
see fit, whether that be lowering fares and introducing new
routes or investing in new bus stations and zero-emission
buses.
Meanwhile in October it passed its Bus Services
Act, handing local leaders the power over how to run their
bus services, overturning the ban on council-owned bus companies,
and making it easier for them to franchise their services – as
seen successfully in Manchester.
The £3 fare cap continues
to help commuters with the cost of living, and in addition to the
new rail fare freeze will keep journeys affordable and reliable
for working people while helping families keep more money in
their pockets.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
From buzzing Christmas markets to magical light trails to cosy
pub lunches, there is always so much going on in England during
the festive season. The capped bus fare makes it even easier for
more of us to explore our brilliant destinations and enjoy the
exciting events on offer, all in a relaxing and environmentally
friendly way. Whether planning a trip out with family and
friends, discovering a new visitor attraction or attending a New
Year's event, I know you will have a fantastic time, and our
tourism and hospitality businesses will be very pleased to
welcome you.
Christmas markets and fireworks displays you can reach
for £3 or less
See the bus services
covered by the £3 bus fare cap.
North West
Manchester Christmas Market - 24 hour services including V1 and
36, plus dozens other routes stopping in the town centre.
Chester Christmas Market - 1, X1, 2, 84 as well as more local
routes such as route 7 and 16.
Liverpool Fireworks - 10a, 12, 13, 14 and 17 amongst others will
drop you off within walking distance of the waterfront.
North East
Newcastle Christmas Market - X1, X10, X21, Angel 21 amongst other
services.
Sunderland - New Year's Eve Firework Spectacular at Keel Square -
9, 20, 56, 62 and E1
South West
Bath Christmas Market - 39, X39, 172, 173
Bristol Christmas Market - 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 72
St Ives Fireworks - T1, T2, 17
South East
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market - 411, S3 and S7
Southampton Christmas Market - Southampton Park & Ride, 1, 2,
3, 4, 6, 8 plus numerous other routes into the city centre.
Winchester Christmas Market - 1, 64, 66, 69, 75
East Midlands
Chesterfield Christmas Market - 43, 44, 50, X17
Nottingham Fireworks - 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
West Midlands
Birmingham Christmas Market - 9, 16, 50, 82, 87
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market - X18, 15, 16
Yorkshire & Humber
York Christmas Festival - 840/843, 12/14, 18, X45, X46 and X47
amongst other regional routes
East of England
Southend Fireworks - 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 21, 25
