Graham has pledged to protect our rural buses which could be at risk in this month’s budget following reports that the Chancellor is considering scrapping the previous government’s scheme.
He has launched a petition to maintain affordable bus fares, which constituents can sign at www.grahamstuart.com/FairFares.
A voluntary £2 cap on bus fares was introduced by the previous Conservative government with the goal of increasing bus use following the Pandemic.
The policy was extended to December 2024 by the previous government, but now it seems that the Chancellor will scrap fair fares for buses.
Graham asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether she would commit to retaining the £2 fare cap, but the government has failed to confirm that it will.
Graham is a great supporter of buses in the East Riding, and transport more generally. At the beginning of the year he helped improve the timetable of the 75 bus, delivering shorter journeys between Hull and Withernsea.
He is in regular contact with ward and parish councillors about improving bus routes, such as recently in Withernwick with Cllr Samantha Whyte.
He was also influential in the award by the last government of £168 million to improve transport in the East Riding and started a campaign for safer roads in the constituency.
Graham Stuart said: “People who rely on the buses don’t deserve for their fares to almost double, which is what could happen if the bus fare cap is removed.
“The £2 bus fare cap has helped bus users keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
“That’s why I’ve launched my campaign for Fair Fares for Buses – to make sure bus fares continue to be capped.
I don’t want to see people who use the bus losing out, and that’s why I’ve always been a firm supporter of the £2 bus fare.
“Fair fares have been a lifeline to the pockets of the thousands of people in Beverley and Holderness who use the buses every day.
“That’s why I’ve launched my Fair Fares campaign – to make sure the government commits to maintain a cap on bus fares.
“This government claims to be on the side of working people, so I’m surprised and disappointed that the Chancellor is considering scrapping the bus fare cap.
“I simply don’t see how increasing fares for people in rural areas who depend on buses is fair, and I’ll do all I can to keep fair fares for buses.”
Cllr Samantha Whyte (Con, Mid Holderness) said, “Rural bus services extend beyond basic transportation, offering everyone, regardless of age or mobility, the chance to engage in social activities, access employment, school, and key services like shops and healthcare.
“They are vital for fostering community well-being and social inclusion.”
