A bus company has slammed the government’s decision to raise the bus fare cap in the autumn Budget.

The Big Lemon has expressed that the decision to raise the bus fare cap to £3 is a ‘regressive step for sustainable transport’.

On Tuesday the Prime Minister said the new cap, which was formally unveiled in yesterday’s Budget, will be in place until the end of 2025.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “On the £2 bus fare, the first thing to say is the Tories only funded that until the end of 2024 and therefore that is the end of the funding in relation to a £2 capped fare.

“I do know how much this matters, particularly in rural communities where there’s heavy reliance on buses.

“And that’s why I’m able to say to you this morning that in the Budget we will announce there will be a £3 cap on bus fares to the end of 2025 because I know how important it is.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the autumn Budget on Wednesday (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) Though the rise in the bus fare cap was not given a significant mention in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ historic Budget speech, it has been included.

Following the government’s decision Tom Druitt, CEO of The Big Lemon bus company in Brighton, said: “The government’s decision to raise the cap on bus fares to £3 is a regressive step for sustainable transport.

“While the change won’t affect us as an organisation, it’s likely to impact our passengers and those across the UK who rely on affordable public transport."

The bus company has recently been receiving help from Brighton and Hove City Council after cancellations and late running services.

Tom added: “Higher fares will discourage people from choosing the bus over other modes of transport, which is the exact opposite of what the government should be encouraging in the middle of a climate emergency."

Brighto and Hove Buses has welcomed the new bus fare cap (Image: The Argus) Also included in the Budget was almost £1 billion of additional funding for local authorities and bus operators to introduce new routes, protect existing ones and make services more frequent.

Though The Big Lemon has shared its concerns on the impact the rise will have on passengers, Brighton and Hove Buses has welcomed the decision.

Nick Hill, commercial director at Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “We are pleased to hear that the scheme will continue in the new year under the new government and look forward to hearing more details.”