BUS PASSENGERS in Buckinghamshire have enjoyed cheaper travel and a new route since the new year.

Carousel Buses owner Go-Ahead Group introduced lower £2 bus tickets since January 1 after the government introduced a national price cap on all bus travel until March.

During the first three weeks of January, Go-Ahead companies outside London, including Carousel Buses, have sold more than £4 million worth of tickets.

The scheme enabled Carousel to add a new route – 41 from High Wycombe to Great Missenden – to its network.

Carousel’s managing director Luke Marion said: “The £2 fare capping scheme has given the bus industry a real boost. Not only is it helping passengers get out and about, it is helping bus operators maintain services and add new ones where possible.

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"We’re pleased to have added a fantastic new route 41 between High Wycombe and Great Missenden this year as a result of the support.”

Go-Ahead's managing director of regional bus Martin Dean said the fare capping scheme was "the right idea at the right time." 

“Buses are a great value way to get around, wherever you live in the UK. We’re keen to work closely with the Department for Transport and with other operators to promote this scheme, in order to get maximum benefit from it," he added.