The Department for Transport‘s Quarterly Bus Statistics for England April-June 2018, show local bus passenger journeys in England have decreased by 1.7% since 2017, and fares have increased by 2.2% in metropolitan areas and 6.6% in non-metropolitan areas.
Campaign for Better Transport Chief Executive, Darren Shirley, says: "The falling number of passengers taking the bus is a consequence of continued cuts in funding to support services. Nationally and locally this is resulting in fewer services and higher fares.
“The statistics back up what our research has been showing: Buses are in crisis.
“They are vital for the economy and the environment but year on year people, especially in rural areas, are losing their bus service making it difficult to access jobs, education and other essential public services."
"In the Budget at the end of October, the Government needs to ensure it supports and encourages local bus services rather than continuing the trend of cutting the budget each year."
