Local MP Tom Gordon hits out at Labour's bus fare cap hike

Keir Starmer has announced that the bus fare cap is set to rise by 50% from £2 to £3, ahead of tomorrow’s budget. 

Local Liberal Democrats are concerned that the policy will be a tax on working people - disproportionately impacting those who rely on the bus to get to work and make a living. 

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon commented on the announcement:

“ This announcement is a huge blow to all those who were already struggling with the cost of living, set to see more pennies pinched from their purse. 

“ The policy will stifle economic growth not just nationally, but locally here as well - where many people take the bus to shops, markets and restaurants. I’m gravely worried about the impact on small business in Harrogate and Knaresborough if less of those customers are coming to the town centre because of the bus fare hike. It leaves me and many small business owners wondering whether the cost saving of this policy is worth the damage to already struggling town centres and the wider economy. 

“ I know that to get between many communities in North Yorkshire, we have to change buses at least once. This means that what is a £2 increase on a return journey for some is at least a £4 increase on a return journey for many bus users in our part of the country.

“ Keir Starmer’s change to bus services is without a doubt a bus tax on working people. It will come as a hammer blow to many commuters across the country, especially those in rural communities, and it will be felt in town centres and high streets too. The government ought to be encouraging public transport use if it is serious about combating the climate crisis. This policy will lead to more cars on our already crowded roads, something our infrastructure cannot afford in the area."

ENDS