A DORSET bus operator has welcomed an extension of a scheme enabling passengers to travel on any single journey in the county for £2 or less. 

Damory - as well as First Wessex - signed up to the Department for Transport (DfT) initiative last year, which restricts the cost of a single ticket, at the beginning of the year.

The fare cap was originally set to end on Friday, March 31, 2023 but it was announced this week that the scheme has been extended for another three months to Friday, June 30, 2023. 

Damory customers will be able to travel on any single journey, on any of the operator’s buses, for £2 or less across Dorset.

They can also use any payment method - including tap on and tap off contactless, the Damory app, as well as cash.

The move is aimed at getting more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport as a cheaper and greener alternative. 

“I am delighted to confirm that Damory will continue to offer the £2 fare cap - in line with the Government’s announcement that the initiative will be extended,” said Andrew Wickham, Damory managing director.

“This is about encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and choose sustainable transport instead.

"Like the Government, we want to help reduce congestion and improve air quality across Dorset. 

“I am encouraged by the Government’s decision and I am looking forward to welcoming new customers on-board over the coming months.”

Many school routes will be exempt from the scheme as they aren’t eligible for the Government subsidy.

Buses minister Richard Holden said: “Bus travel remains the most popular form of public transport in England, making up around half of all journeys.

“With the scheme set to take two million car journeys off the road, it’s fantastic to see so many bus operators signing up to the fare cap."

For more information about routes and timetables, visit the website at damory.co.uk