The Rural Services Network (RSN) is expressing significant concern following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to increase the national bus fare cap to £3 until the end of 2025. This decision, which marks a 50% increase from the current cap, poses a substantial burden to the residents of rural areas, who depend heavily on bus services for their daily activities.

Rural areas, often overlooked, are ripe with economic potential, as highlighted in a recent report by the Rural Coalition that describes the rural economy as a "sleeping giant" worth £19 billion. Access to affordable public transport is not just a convenience but a necessity in these regions, where alternatives are few and distances to essential services like healthcare, education, and employment are considerable.

The previously instated £2 fare cap had demonstrated substantial benefits, making transportation more accessible and affordable for rural dwellers and contributing positively to local economies. It facilitated not only the economic but also the social well-being of rural communities, playing a crucial role in reducing isolation and supporting local businesses.

Given the disproportionate impact of this fare increase on rural populations, coupled with the persistent underfunding of rural public services, the RSN calls for a robust, long-term settlement that ensures public transport remains a viable option in rural communities. This commitment must involve sustained investment that not only maintains service levels but actively expands access, ensuring that every rural community can reach essential services and economic opportunities. Long-term funding should also support innovative transportation solutions that cater to the unique geographical and demographic challenges of rural areas, such as demand-responsive transport and improved connectivity with urban centres.

Specifically, enhanced transportation infrastructure will directly support rural residents' ability to access employment opportunities, vocational training, and continuing education programmes that are often based farther away in urban hubs. Reliable and affordable transport is also critical for accessing healthcare services, which are less dense in rural areas. These improvements are vital for stimulating local economies, attracting new businesses, and enabling rural residents to contribute to and benefit from economic growth.

Statement by Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network:

We urgently call on the government to commit to a comprehensive long-term funding settlement for rural local authorities, which historically receive less funding per capita than their urban counterparts. This strategic investment is essential not only for transport but for all critical services including employment, education, healthcare, and public transportation. Ensuring that rural communities have reliable access to these essential services is crucial for enabling full participation in economic opportunities, fostering sustainable growth, and enhancing the overall well-being of rural areas.

Investing in rural areas is not just about addressing local disparities - it’s about unlocking the potential of rural communities to contribute to national growth. By bolstering rural economies, we can create a more balanced, dynamic, and resilient national economy.

The Rural Services Network stands ready to provide support and guidance to Ministers and MPs to help them effectively respond to the needs of rural communities, understand their unique challenges, and take decisive action to support their growth potential. Our advocacy for an inclusive approach aims to ensure that all communities, regardless of their geographical location, have equitable access to the infrastructure and services vital for robust community and economic development. By working together, we can help all regions of the country to thrive.