Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered establishing a funding stream to enable community transport operators to participate in the national bus fare cap scheme.

Community transport operators may participate in the National Bus Fare Cap Scheme where they operate eligible services and choose to take part. Participating operators are reimbursed for discounted journeys made under the scheme, while operators that do not participate remain free to set their own fares.

The Government recognises the important role community transport plays, particularly in rural areas, and provides wider support through measures including the Bus Service Operators Grant and funding provided to local transport authorities to help maintain and improve local bus services. Community transport operators were also eligible for £3.8m of Departmental funding support in 2026/27.

The Department engages regularly with stakeholders across the bus sector on the National Bus Fare Cap Scheme.