THE government has extended the £2 bus fare cap until the end of October this year - and a £2.50 fare cap will be in place until November 2024.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomed this announcement saying that it will get people out of their cars to visit the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. 

Mr Farron encouraged ministers to make the cap permanent when it was first introduced in January 2023. 

Mr Farron said: "I massively welcome the Government’s decision to extend the cap until October with a further cap until November next year.

“It will go a long way in getting people out of their cars which will help to reduce carbon emissions in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

“It has also come in time to ease the congestion on Cumbria’s roads which is a huge issue for us during our busy tourist season in the Summer.

“The cap also makes it more attractive for people to head into town, giving a boost to local high streets and supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis and in accessing the vital services they need.”

The MP called for funding bus services that will extend the network to more rural communities.