Ian Roome’s Petition to Halt Bus Fare Increases Breaks 1,000 Signatures in 48 Hours

This week, Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome launched a petition to halt the bus fare increases after the prices on certain bus routes in North Devon have risen over 130%. 

Under the government’s new scheme, the cap for single fares has risen from £2 to £3, marking an increase of 50%. Yet some return fares in North Devon have increased well beyond this percentage, raising serious concerns about affordability and fairness for local residents. For example, Stagecoach have increased a Child's Return on some routes in North Devon from £2.10 to £5.00; a +138% increase, the equivalent to +69% in each direction of travel. This has caused significant concern across North Devon. 

MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, therefore launched a petition against the fare increases and residents are encouraged to join the campaign by signing.

Within 48 hours, the petition gathered more than 1,000 signatures - a figure that is still rising. Ian Roome stated that “This shows just how much of an impact this is having on our community here”.

North Devon’s rural communities are particularly vulnerable to transport changes, with limited bus services and fewer alternatives available. The fare increase disproportionately affects lower-income households and students, who depend on buses as their primary mode of transport.

The government’s justification for the increase points to the need for additional funding to maintain and improve bus services. However, local authorities and public transport advocates have called for greater investment in service reliability and frequency rather than fare hikes.

Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, said:

“The fare cap was originally introduced to make bus travel more affordable and encourage sustainable transport. This is not what it’s doing now in North Devon. Fares on certain routes are seeing increases that far outstrip inflation - this is unacceptable.”

“To see hikes like this amidst ongoing cost-of-living challenges and for people who depend on public transport is extremely alarming. So many people have already contacted me in despair, detailing their own stories of just how this will impact them financially”

“I understand the government’s aim to support the sustainability of bus companies, but this decision will discourage public transport use and push more people into cars. For a community like North Devon, already struggling with summer traffic congestion, this will add salt to the wound.”

To sign the petition, click here: Halt Bus Fare Rises! - North Devon Liberal Democrats