BUS journeys to top attractions across the town and county cost just £2 thanks to a bus fare cap.

Hampshire County Council is encouraging residents to use the county’s buses this summer to explore attractions and take advantage of the government’s £2 bus fare cap.

Bus operators Stagecoach, Bluestar and First Solent have joined forces with the council to launch a campaign highlighting the advantages of travelling by bus and the wide range of attractions that can be reached.

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Residents in Basingstoke can travel to various destinations by bus for just £2 including:

• Watercress Line, New Alresford and Alton – Stagecoach 13 / 38 / 64 / 65

• Milestones Museum, Basingstoke – Stagecoach 8 / 76

• Basingstoke Leisure Park – Stagecoach 8 / 76

• Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke – Stagecoach 76 Councillor

Nick Adams-King, the council’s cabinet lead member for universal services, said: “Hampshire’s bus network provides a vital service connecting the county’s villages, towns, and cities.

“In Hampshire, bus ridership is currently at around 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, and lower again for concessionary bus pass holders. This dip in the numbers travelling by bus alongside rising costs, is having an impact on the viability of many routes.

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“Every extra journey by bus helps to keep our bus services going which is why we have joined forces with bus operators to highlight all the amazing places that are just a bus ride away – and how easy it is to get to them.

“Whether it’s retail therapy, a trip into the countryside, or a visit to a historic site, there’s a wealth of choices on offer. With the government’s £2 fare cap in place until autumn it’s also a more affordable way to get out and about this summer and beyond.”

The campaign is being jointly funded by Stagecoach, Bluestar and First Solent alongside government funding that has been allocated through the county council.

In April this year, the government confirmed that the £2 bus fare cap had been extended until October 31 to help passengers with the cost of living and then £2.50 until November 2024.

For more information and to plan your bus journey visit myjourneyhampshire.com.