A short-term £2 bus fare capping initiative has been welcomed in Staffordshire. 

The Government-funded scheme will run from 1 January to 31 March, with several local operators taking part. 

Although Staffordshire County Council does not run bus services, it is already providing 12 months' temporary support for operators while they try and rebuild the popularity of services after the pandemic. 

David Williams, the authorities Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "The additional funding to help people get around for £2 is good news.

"Around 95% of bus services in Staffordshire are entirely commercial and many of these have been running at a loss for some time since the pandemic."

"Although the county council doesn't run buses we have been putting funding in to support operators while they attract passengers back and anything which adds to our support is a good thing."

Operators taking part include Arriva Midlands, First Potteries, D&G, Chaserider, Select, National Express, Taxico and Trent Barton. 

In the autumn the county council announced an additional £750,000 of targeted support for specific routes on top of the £8 million spent in the sector annually, not including home to school transport. 

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The authority works closely with operators, other councils and communities to promote a sustainable transport network wherever possible. 

David Williams added: "Bus services not only get people to and from work and the classroom, but support town centre retail and leisure businesses and help reduce carbon emissions by leaving the car at home."