Bus fare cap - ongoing issue, merged posts

[whole diary]

[bobm]

Looking at the Swindon Buses website, it says the offer is valid from start of service. 

[grahame]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap

Its a good idea,but can't find out if there are restrictions on the early morning bus's.

I do not believe there are any time restrictions. It's just possible that there are limits on night buses, and on things like the airport services in Bristol.     I don't know you can get a £2 fare on the 02:46 from Bristol Airport to the city centre, for example.

[Richard Fairhurst]

It's participating operators only, so although the big guys are all taking part, lots of the independents seem to have opted out - presumably, as with ENCTS^▸ (English National Concessionary Travel Scheme), they're not being reimbursed the full amount by Government.

Locally both Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Co/Thames Travel are taking part, but I can't see any of the independents or CICs^▸ (Community Interest Company ) signed up. Stagecoach have (unsurprisingly!) excluded the Oxford Tube.

[JayMac]

The list of participating operators is missing some independents.

In Somerset/Dorset South West Coaches are participating.

Its probably worth checking with independents if they are not listed.

[MVR S&T]

More bus in east dorset west hampshire are participating, Yellowbuses are not as  they dont exist now!

[grahame]

The £2 fare applies to all local bus services in Wiltshire.   That and much MUCH more in a Christmas update from "our Lee" who I am especially proud of ...


Links to http://option247.uk/christmas2022.html

[Bmblbzzz]

I rarely travel by bus, but IMO^▸ (in my opinion) one of the best aspects of this, as with the London bus fares, is that you don't need to ask. You just know it's going to be £2.

[Ralph Ayres]

You just know it's going to be £2.

One of my local independents charges rather lower fares than the big outfits, and on the route I know best the fares don't get much above £2 anyway. Understandably they aren't taking part as the admin to reclaim the difference, and the overall benefit to passengers, really wouldn't be worth it.

[Ralph Ayres]

...and talking of admin, I wonder if passengers will still have to state their destination and be issued with a ticket to the required fare point so the amount of reimbursement can be calculated, or if it will be done on some sort of average? I've failed to find anything online but presumably operators have been given details.

[grahame]

Full list at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap - good example of a nice simple list - NOT!

[Oxonhutch]

Full list at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap - good example of a nice simple list - NOT!

Thanks Graham, I did find two of my bus routes I use included in the list with nothing so far on the companies' web sites. Might induce another couple of trips into Oxford for an afternoon pint. Always very pleasant.

[Trowres]

Full list at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap - good example of a nice simple list - NOT!

Where in this list is the 49 from Trowbridge to Swindon? (Stagecoach)

[grahame]

Full list at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap - good example of a nice simple list - NOT!

Where in this list is the 49 from Trowbridge to Swindon? (Stagecoach)

Listed under "Cheltenham and Gloucester Omnibus Company Ltd" which is a Stagecoach operating company. Simples ;-)

[grahame]

Experience bus users may chuckle, but for newcomers here is some "how to use the bus" advice from Stagecoach

Buying your ticket on the bus

New to the bus

If you haven’t travelled by bus before, here are a few tips for a simple journey.

* Plan your journey so you know which bus and route are right for you.
* Make sure you take a note of the bus number.
* When your bus is approaching the bus stop, just put out your hand so the driver knows to stop and let you on board.
* When you get on the bus, ask the driver for a single ticket to your destination.
* Your fare will be automatically capped at £2 and you can pay by cash, contactless or Apple/Google Pay. Don’t forget to take your ticket from the machine and keep it for the whole journey.
* Once your payment is accepted, take your seat and enjoy the journey.
* When you’re approaching your destination bus stop, press any of the stop buttons located around the bus.
* When the bus comes to a stop, thank your driver as you get off.

[Bmblbzzz]

I think it's a missed opportunity having to still ask for a ticket to your destination, rather than adopting a proper flat fare.