Somerset residents can take advantage of £2 fares across most routes until October 31.

The cut-price fares have been made possible by government funding which is aimed at boosting bus usage. The scheme had been due to end on June 30, but has now been extended until the end of October.

The initiative will also see single fares capped at £2.50 from November 1.

The £2 fare offer is available on most routes with participating operators. To see the full list of participating bus and coach operators, see the Somerset Council website.

Since the £2 fare scheme was introduced, bus passenger numbers in Somerset have risen by 15 per cent. Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: “In order to protect bus services in Somerset more people need to use them. We know the £2 has been instrumental in boosting numbers, so it’s great news that it’s being extended until the autumn, and then only rising to £2.50 for the next year after that.

“We saw the benefit that the £2 fare cap brought in both increased usage and assisting family budgets.  That’s why I wrote to the Secretary of State last month, requesting that he extend this very successful initiative.  I’m very pleased that he’s now done just that.

“If we’re going to make bus travel attractive we have to start with making fares attractive. Getting on the bus supports our climate change objectives, it could well save you money, and it’s the best way to help preserve bus routes.” 

The government's Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Taking the bus is the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on these vital services every day. 

“That’s why we’re investing half a billion pounds to help people save money amid cost of living pressures and continue to level up transport in all parts of the country, doing our bit to help halve inflation and grow the economy.”