Bus fares across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex are set to rise following the government’s decision to increase the national single bus fare cap in England.
Starting on New Year’s Day, the cap will rise to £3, as announced by the prime minister in October. This new fare limit will remain in place until the end of 2025.
Major operators such as Stagecoach and Arriva have confirmed fare adjustments in response to the cap increase:
Kent:
Single tickets priced under £2 will remain unchanged.
Some fares that were previously capped at £2 will rise to as much as £3.
East Sussex:
Thanks to a partnership with East Sussex County Council, Stagecoach will maintain lower fares in the region.
Certain single journeys will remain capped at £1, a discount that will continue at least until March 2025.
Return Tickets: Stagecoach will no longer offer return tickets in Kent or East Sussex starting 1 January.
Kent and Surrey:
Return tickets will be discontinued from 1 January.
3-day and 12-day bundle tickets will also be withdrawn from sale.
The fare cap, initially introduced as part of a government initiative to make bus travel more affordable, has played a significant role in encouraging the use of public transport. However, the increase to £3 reflects rising operational costs faced by bus operators.
Partnerships like the one between Stagecoach and East Sussex County Council aim to counterbalance these changes by offering region-specific discounts.
