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<p>The Government has made available nearly £2 billion since March 2020, through emergency
and recovery grants, to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the bus sector. This
support is currently in place until the end of March 2023. The Department is actively
considering its support for the bus sector beyond that point.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
already provides around £250 million annually to support bus services through the
Bus Service Operators Grant, and supports spending of around £1 billion a year so
that older and disabled people can travel on buses throughout England for free.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is also taking proactive steps to help increase patronage by
providing £60 million to help bus operators cap single fares at £2 on services in
England outside London from 1 January to 31 March 2023. Over 140 operators covering
more than 4,600 routes are participating in the scheme, which will help increase patronage
on buses and help millions save on their regular travel costs.</p>
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