Recommendation 24

Bus fares in England have risen faster than inflation and more steeply than other transport modes. While the fare cap has been broadly welcomed as a way of reining in unaffordable fares, it is a short-term measure, not a substitute for long-term policy. There is no clear national strategy guiding what fares are intended to achieve: promoting modal shift, improving affordability, increasing ridership, supporting network viability, or delivering wider social and economic goals. In contrast, Ireland has introduced a national fares strategy focused on consistency, equity, and simplicity. England could benefit from a similarly structured approach. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91) 50