Bus passengers can explore Cumbria for just £2 a ticket as a new government initiative is being rolled out.

This is part of the ‘help for households’ scheme, which aims to cut emissions while also helping families cut their costs.

This new fare cap introduced by Stagecoach sees most fares in England being capped at a maximum of £2 for three months.

It is hoped that this will help people stretch their money further, and encourage use of public transport and therefore lessen pollution.

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are pleased to be involved in this new initiative by the Department for Transport (DfT), which will help so many people at a time where money needs to stretch further, while at the same time aims to reduce car use and encourage people onto more sustainable public transport.

“We hope that this new promotion helps more people to get on board with us and continue benefiting from our value-for-money tickets after the government scheme has ended.”

The DfT scheme also reflects the current pressure on the costs of running bus services, which has seen utility costs increase by more than 40 per cent since 2019-20, with the price of tyres increasing by 18 per cent in the same period.

Stagecoach has recently said about £50million is being invested in 200 new low-emission vehicles across England during the next year, including nine in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Carla Stockton-Jones, UK managing director for Stagecoach, said: “Fares are just one tool that can make buses more attractive.

“We also need a focus on priority measures which will keep buses out of congestion, speed up journey times, help keep fares low, and ensure buses are reliable, factors which we know are important for passengers and which we are actively working with local and national governments on.”

There are some exclusions in Cumbria & North Lancashire where usual tickets will apply.

The usual tickets will apply to the following services:

S33 Lowca - Whitehaven Academy

S34 Bowthorn - West Lakes Academy

S35 Brigham - Cockermouth School

S36 Distington - Workington Academy

S91 Carlton Grange - Caldew School

S92 Carlisle Bus Station - Caldew School

S93 Roseley - Caldew School

S94 Longtown - Brampton Schools

S95 Corby Hill to Brampton Schools

99 Kendal - Kirkby Lonsdale school

For more information, visit https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/2-pound-fare.

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