Rachel has welcomed a further Government investment of £1.4 million in local bus services.
This funding from the £80 million Bus Services Improvement Plan 2024-25 fund means people across Worcestershire have benefitted from a total of £2,859,372 funding from the Government to support bus services since 2022.
It comes on top of a further £140 million announced in May from the extension of the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), taking the total to continue supporting and protecting bus services across England to £300 million into 2025.
To help people with the cost of living and save on everyday travel costs, the Government has also invested £200 million to extend the bus fare cap, with single bus tickets capped at £2 outside London until the end of October 2023 and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.
The £2 fare cap has cut travel costs, particularly in rural areas, where buses are crucial for so many people to get around, with the average fare dropping by 10.8% in rural and non-metropolitan parts of England.
Local bus services are a top priority for Rachel having previously chaired the first cross-party Redditch Bus Travel Task Force meeting.
Rachel said:
“I know buses connect our communities by getting people to work, taking our kids to school, and making sure patients can get to doctors’ appointments.
“These services are vital, and the Government recognises that too, which is why we have been able to secure a further £1.4 million in Government funding.
“This funding, which takes the total we’ve received to £2.8 million, will be used to protect, enhance and secure a better future for our local bus services.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the County Council and bus operators to support local services which my constituents rely on.”
