Pub-goers across England are encouraged to make use of the current £2 bus fare cap when they visit a pub.

The government aims to help passengers outside London to save on bus fares, with the launch of its new cap across more than 130 operators in England.

Now, CAMRA has written to the government, asking it to make the £2 cap permanent. Currently, the single fare limit will operate up to March 2023.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “The early months of the year are notoriously hard for the licensed trade. This year, pubs, social clubs, brewers and cider makers are also having to contend with a cost-of-business crisis. While early indications are that Christmas trade was returning to pre-pandemic levels, our beloved locals are still in a precarious situation, with a significant rollback in energy support from April.

“Schemes like this, which help people get to the pub in a more affordable and environmentally friendly way should be applauded, and we encourage everyone to take advantage to support local pubs, social clubs, brewers and cider makers through what will be a tough winter season.”

The letter to buses minister Richard Holden said: “A thriving public transport network goes hand in hand with a thriving hospitality sector. It is important that people can get to pubs and social clubs using accessible and sustainable methods of transport. Therefore, we would like you to introduce a permanent funding for a fare capping scheme in the Spring Budget.”