Bus journeys grew by 105% across Great Britain in Q1 2022 compared to last year, but remained 31% below pre-pandemic levels in England, according to the UK Department of Transport’s (DfT) latest quarterly bus statistics.
The government document, which provides information on passenger fares and the number of journeys taken in the last 12 months and for January to March 2022, shows that 2.91 billion bus journeys were made in England the year ending March 2022, an 85% increase compared to 2021.
Local bus fares also increased. In England, fares in Q1 2022 increased by 3.6% compared to Q1 2021. This is faster than in previous quarters, but slower than the all items Consumer Prices Index rate of inflation (5%).
According to the DfT, the rise in fares across England was largely driven by a 5.9% increase in London, whereas prices increased by only 1.8% in areas of England outside London.
There was a 0% fare increase in Scotland and Wales and a 3.3% overall increase in Great Britain.
The DfT’s statistical release claims to offer the most up-to-date statistics on the local bus sector.
