Transport group welcomes £2 bus cap

The chair of a transport group in Melksham has welcomed the government’s decision to reintroduce a £2 cap on single bus fares in England from January 2027, saying it will benefit local residents.

The government confirmed the £2 cap on single bus fares will return from 1st January until 31st December 2027. Until then, the current £3 fare cap will remain in place.

Chair of the Melksham Transport User Group, Graham Ellis, said the lower fare would be an affordable option for local people.

He said, “£2 into Bath and £4 to the RUH as it’s two bus journeys, is really helpful. Even at £3 the fare into Bath has been very affordable, mind you and we have noted busier buses. And handing out bus and train timetables in the carnival parade arms were outstretched with people wanting a copy.”

With more housing developments planned for Melksham, including 300 homes recently approved at Snarlton Farm, Graham said cheaper bus fares could also help reduce traffic.

He said, “The recent planning decisions for the east of Melksham, whilst they are not universally welcomed, do provide for funding from the developers for a bus service which should also benefit the rest of East Melksham. And with a £2 maximum fare – at least in early days – should lead to a good uptake, provided the bus goes to the right places at the right times and starts to operate before people moving in buy their second cars.”