'Risk to communities of scrapping £2 cap'

A LOCAL MP has warned that scrapping the national £2 bus fare cap would devastate rural communities already grappling with limited transport options and rising living costs.

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Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Sarah Dyke, has called on the Labour government to protect the current fare cap and boost investment in local bus services, following suggestions the cap could be removed in favour of a “targeted” alternative.

Transport Minister Heidi Alexander has so far declined to guarantee the future of the fare cap. Although initially set at £2 for a single journey, the government recently raised it to £3 and is reportedly considering further changes that could result in the cap being scrapped entirely.

Ms Dyke said a 50 per cent fare rise was already unaffordable for many rural residents who depend on buses to get to work, education and essential services. She has been vocal in opposing the price hike, describing it as a direct threat to community wellbeing in her constituency and beyond.