As of the budget, we think that working people on lower incomes or who live in rural communities will suffer as a consequence of the decision to raise the bus fare cap to £3. We think bus fares should be permanently capped at £3 after December 2025.

If the government wants to prioritise growth and improving the lot of 'working people', we think they should consider this. Buses are a method of transport used by many vulnerable people - the young, the old and those on lower incomes. We feel that allowing the £3 bus fare cap to expire will take money out of the pockets of those who cannot afford it due to the cost of living. People cannot economise their bus use, people need to get to work or school - bus use is a need, not a want.