The maximum fare on participating bus services across England, outside London, will fall from the current £3 limit and remain at £2 throughout 2027.
Ministers say the change is part of a wider package of cost of living support backed by an extra £400 million of funding. The lower cap is expected to make travelling to work, school, healthcare appointments and leisure activities more affordable.
The £2 fare cap will apply on participating routes across Swindon, including many of the town’s busiest services linking North Swindon, Old Town, the Great Western Hospital, Orbital Shopping Park, Swindon Designer Outlet and surrounding communities.
For people who use buses every working day, the lower cap could result in significant savings. Someone making two journeys each weekday could save around £10 a week compared with the current £3 cap, adding up to more than £500 over a year.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of the Labour Group on Swindon Borough Council, welcomed the announcement. He said:
“Lowering the bus fare cap is one way to give families some breathing space. It’s the most used form of public transport which millions of people use to get to work, school and see family and friends. We’re making those everyday journeys that little bit easier.”
The Government said the restored £2 cap will particularly benefit passengers making longer journeys and people living in rural areas, where bus fares can often be higher. The existing £3 cap had been due to remain in place until March 2027.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said affordable public transport was essential and that the lower fares would help people with the cost of living while keeping communities connected.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the measure would make everyday journeys “easier and cheaper”, helping people travel to work, education, healthcare and to visit family and friends.
The Government has also confirmed that children aged five to 15 will continue to travel free on participating bus services during the summer holidays this year. More than £100 million has been allocated to support the scheme and help local transport authorities and bus operators maintain services.
The £2 fare cap will take effect from Thursday 1 January 2027 and remain in place until the end of the year on participating bus services across England outside London.
