20% to 40% ticket price reduction on Cornish buses backed by £23.5m government grant
A pilot of cut-fare prices has begun in Cornwall, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy cheaper prices around the far south-west of England.
The county has benefitted from a ticket price reduction of between 20% and 40% to incentivise more people to use public transport rather than their cars.
The scheme will run for four years, is government backed, and will measure what impact lower fares have on the number of cars on the road. By reducing fares it’s hoped it’ll make it easier for Cornish people to travel around and encourage tourism to the beaches, moors, towns and attractions by buses rather than by car.
“The bus fares pilot is a hugely positive step for the people of Cornwall. This will make it easier for young people to access jobs, education and training in towns such as Newquay.
“It’s important for rural communities to have access to affordable alternatives to the car. It will also benefit tourists this summer and could encourage them to use public transport, rather than going everywhere by car.”
Louis Gardner, the mayor of Newquay
Transport for Cornwall aims to increase bus usage by 10%, and is using a £23.5m grant from the Department for Transport to fund the drive.
The new fares will include:
£2.50 a day or £10 a week for adults within Cornish towns.
£5 a day or £20 a week for adults for travel across Cornwall.
Adult singles from £1.60, and returns from £2.40.
Family tickets for £10 a day (up to two adults and unlimited children under 16).
“The launch of this excellent scheme across Cornwall is a significant moment in our ambition to level up transport links across the country. We want to place Cornwall at the leading edge of a national bus revolution.”
Transport Minister, Charlotte Vere
Cornwall’s largest bus operator, Go-Ahead Group, is leading the scheme under an initiative called “any ticket, any bus” and the cheaper prices will include benefits for customers of all of the main companies.
Scheduled to run for four years, there’s no guarantee the process will stay at the levels set, and depending on how the services are used they can be changed.
“Cheaper fares are vital in winning passengers back and attracting new ones. Our research has shown that Cornwall’s bus passengers wanted better value for money fares. These plans should drive up passenger satisfaction and encourage more people to give bus a go. We will monitor the impact this has on passengers.”
David Sidebottom, Director of the watchdog Transport Focus