The Government has announced an extension to the single bus Fare Cap at a maximum of £2 until October 31st 2023, Sanders Coaches will continue to be part of the scheme until that date.
I can also confirm there are no changes to the services that are part of the scheme.
Firstly some bad news - No school day only services are eligible for the scheme so if the service you use runs on school days only then you will continue to pay the current fares. We have no plans for a fares review at this time.
Services that will be included in the scheme are as follows:
1 – 2 – 3 – 5 – 6/X6 – 6A – 8 – 9 – 11 – 16 – 17 – 18 ( except school day only journeys ) – 19 – 20 – 23 – 24 – 25 – 27 – 28 – 34 – 42 – 43 – 44 – 44A / X40 / X44 - 45 – 45A - 46 – X55 – 98 - 210 – CH1 – CH2
The fare cap of £2 is only available on single fares so if you currently pay a £6 return fare you will need to switch to buying a £2 single on both the outward and return journey.
There are no further discounts on the fare cap fare of £2 it will apply to all fare groups i.e Adult - 16 to 19 - Child and OAP before 09.30.
If you travel using a weekly ticket you will also need to work out for yourself whether it will be cheaper to buy a £2 ticket every time you board the bus or continue to buy the current weekly ticket.
All fares under £2 will not be affected by this scheme and will remain as current.
On November 1st 2023 the bus fare cap will be increased to £2.50 for the next 13 months to 30th November 2024, so all bus fares under £2.50 will return to their previous levels. but I need to advise that March 1st is the date that we normally review our fares and with inflation as high as it is it is inevitable the fares from November 1st 2023 that were under the new £2.50 fare cap will be higher than they previously were.
We thank you for your continued support of our services and hope you will take advantage of the Government supported lower fares to get out and enjoy our wonderful County this summer and look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Charles Sanders.