By Our Reporter
Popular British Nigerian mental health nurse and TikTok sensation, Bemi Orojuogun, widely known as “Bus Aunty,” has engaged the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
She engaged Starmer in a brief conversation on the disparity in transport costs between London and other parts of the country.
The video of the conversation was sighted by Diaspora NG on X.
Orojuogun, who became famous for her upbeat videos recorded on London buses, met the prime minister during a visit to Norfolk, where she commended the affordability of transport in London but expressed concern over the higher travel costs outside the capital.
In the clip, she said, “Oh my goodness, that’s a pleasure meeting you… I’m very fortunate to live in London because we have the best transport. It’s cheaper, it’s affordable. But I noticed that coming to outside London is very, very expensive.”
She then asked, “So my question is, how do you intend to help that? What is the policy in your government to help those who travel?”
Responding, Starmer acknowledged the contrast between London’s transport system and that of rural communities.
He said, “Transport in London is really good… But in more rural communities… many more people rely on the bus. And that’s the lifeline for school, for work, for health, visiting family, whatever it may be.”
The prime minister highlighted a £3 cap on bus fares as one of the key policies designed to ease travel costs.
“It doesn’t matter how far you’re going… it won’t cost you more than £3. That makes a really big difference,” he said.
Starmer also announced that rail fares had been frozen for the first time in three decades, noting that the move would shield commuters from the usual annual increase.
“Normally, they get whacked with an increase. Next year, they won’t because we’re freezing the fares,” he said.
He added that electric buses were being introduced across several routes, describing them as cleaner, quieter and more appreciated by drivers, some of whom he said had been on the job for 30 to 40 years.
Watch video HERE
