Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy praises £2 national bus fare cap

Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy has welcomed Labour’s new national fare cap, which will keep bus fares at £2 across England from January to December 2027.

He has also praised the government’s plans for free bus travel throughout August for children aged five to 15 on participating local services.

Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, said: "On the steps of Downing Street, the Prime Minister promised that the cost of living would run through the veins of this Government, and today we are delivering on that promise.

"From January 2027, millions of people will benefit from cheaper bus journeys as fares are capped at £2.

"This means that journeys across Basingstoke will become much more affordable and give our communities space to breathe."

The government said the £2 fare cap will cut the cost of travel, helping people get to work, education and appointments, while giving families more breathing space.

MP Luke Murphy in his new office (Image: Luke Murphy)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Good, affordable transport links are an essential. No one should be priced out of those and left behind. But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that.

"I’ve done it before, and I will do it again now: a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.

"Lower fares will help people get to where they need to – giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living.

"As I said on my first day in office – I will build a country for everyone, everywhere. That means more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people’s lives."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is about making those everyday journeys easier and cheaper. Labour is cutting fares by a third to help with the cost of living, open up opportunities and keep people connected to work, school, healthcare and their friends and family.”