Beginning Wednesday, bus fares in England will increase from £2 to £3 for single journeys, a move criticized by campaign groups as a challenging start to 2025. The Department for Transport asserts that the additional revenue will support rural transportation. While ongoing fare adjustments will be tied to inflation in urban areas, concerns have been raised about the impact on low-income passengers. Local authorities can maintain lower fares through subsidies, with some regions opting to do so until later in 2025.