Young individuals in England have expressed concerns regarding the high cost of bus travel, which they believe affects their ability to socialize and manage living expenses. A report by MPs has recommended the provision of free bus travel for all individuals under the age of 22, similar to a policy in Scotland.
The Department for Transport noted that it is currently allocating £1 billion over multiple years to improve the reliability and frequency of bus services. However, many young people have reported that the cost of bus fares continues to impact their daily budgets.
Maisy Moazzenkivi, an 18-year-old from Coventry, spends £8 daily commuting to college, mainly due to the timing of her disability bus pass, which does not cover travel until after her classes start. This expense significantly affects her ability to afford food during the day. Maisy indicated that if bus travel were free, she could have more disposable income to socialize and save for personal items.
Gracie Moore, a 22-year-old from Slough, pays around £120 each month for her bus rides to work. She mentioned that the travel expenses limit her ability to move out from her family home and balance her job with a social life. Gracie previously experienced much lower travel costs while living in Madrid, which raises her concerns about the justifications for the higher fares in the UK.
Nikita Upreti, a 20-year-old international student at University College Birmingham, has faced rising bus pass costs—up from £49 to £53—despite having a student discount. She emphasized that free bus travel could alleviate some financial burdens, allowing her to better manage her living expenses and support her education.
These accounts highlight broader discussions about transportation accessibility and affordability for young people in England.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70xjj8746wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss