Starting Wednesday, single bus fares in England will increase from £2 to £3, marking a challenging beginning to 2025 for many commuters. The rise comes despite prior efforts under the Conservative government to alleviate living costs. While the Department for Transport claims the raised fare will aid rural and town travel, advocacy groups emphasize the need for a sustainable transport policy moving forward. Some areas, such as Northumberland, will continue to offer lower fares through local subsidies.