“With rising costs and stagnant wages, it’s a step backwards – especially when more accessible transport is needed.”
Zarah Sultana MP
By Ben Hayes, Labour Outlook
The government’s announcement of a 50% increase in the maximum bus fare has already been met with strong opposition- with over 60,000 people having signed a petition from 38Degrees calling for the £2 fare to be protected.
Director of the campaigning organisation We Own It Cat Hobbs slammed the decision as “bleak, depressing and unnecessary”:
MP for Islington North Jeremy Corbyn also offered strong criticism, warning that the measure risked hitting public transport use in a vital period:
Director of More In Common UK Luke Tryl pointed out how the £2 cap had been a rare example of an overwhelmingly popular policy in recent years:
Political Correspondent for The Guardian Kian Stacy claimed that numerous Labour reguonal Mayors and MPs were worried about the policy:
Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana urged the government to change course:
And the negative response could be seen beyond the ranks of those traditionally to the left of the current Labour party leadership, with The Independent‘s Chief Political Commentator John Rentoul among those indicating his frustration:
- You add your signature to 38Degrees’ petition defending the £2 bus fare cap here.
