AHEAD of a government initiative due to start in the new year, Thurrock bus users will benefit from cheaper travel in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.

A new £2 'Festive Fare Cap' launches on Monday (16 November) and will run until 31 December, ensuring no single bus journey starting in Thurrock costs more than £2.

Funded by the Department for Transport, the initiative comes ahead of the planned national fare cap rollout on 1 January 2027 which was announced in July by transport minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill. From 1 January single bus tickets will be capped at £2 in England outside London, replacing the current £3 fare cap.

But Thurrock will get an early start after Thurrock Council confirmed the introduction of the new fare cap next week.

Cllr Alan Benson, Thurrock Council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for Transport and Highways, welcomed the government funding and said: "We know that the cost of living continues to be a concern for many residents, and affordable transport can make a real difference to everyday life.

"Lower fares mean residents have better access to employment, training, education, healthcare, local businesses and community services, while reducing transport costs for families and individuals."