Sir Ed Davey to drive learner bus at Oxfordshire depot

He will be joined by Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover in the Didcot area where he will meet representatives from a local bus company to discuss their concerns about the fare cap rise and take a bus driving lesson around the depot. 

This comes after research revealed that one in three bus users in England, excluding London, said they will take the bus less often to travel as a result of the bus fare cap increasing from £2 to £3.

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The hospitality industry is also likely to be hard hit as a result, with almost one in five bus users saying they will take the bus less often revealing that the increase will also mean that they are less likely to take a day trip for leisure. 

Sir Ed said: “The fare cap increase is like a bus tax for people across the country, impacting bus users and commuters already struggling to make ends meet. MPs must be given a say on this bus fare hike on behalf of their constituents. 

“Our communities have already paid too high a price for years of Conservative neglect and incompetence. This bus fare hike will hit cherished local businesses and high streets, many of which are already struggling.

“The Government needs to change course and boost struggling local economies by investing in bus routes.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby