Everyone is fed up with Southampton’s traffic meltdown, and things can only get worse with the news that bus fares are going up. 

The announcement that the £2 fare cap will increase to £3 will surely see even more people using their cars.

The only way to reduce car use and to cut vehicle emissions is cheaper and better public transport.

Southampton has a fantastic network of railway stations, but train travel can be expensive. We need to see fares cut, and the frequency of trains increased to make them a better option for commuting.

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However, it is buses that are the best hope for reducing Southampton’s daily logjam. And cheaper tickets increase bus use, reduce congestion, and make Southampton greener and cleaner.

Rather than upping bus fares we should be moving to free bus travel for all. If buses were free for everyone then it wouldn’t just be pensioners leaving their car at home.

Jon Walters

Southampton