Bus operator commits to government's £2 bus cap

A large Herefordshire bus operator has confirmed it will bring in the government's £2 fare cap from the start of next year, following criticism from county chiefs and campaigners.

There had been concern that Sargeants Brothers, along with Yeomans Travel, would opt out of the centrally subsidised travel scheme, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July.

However, Sargeants has now said it does intend to offer the cheaper fares from January.

Managing director Matt Evans said: "We have decided to take part in the scheme, despite having no scheme details, as it is our hope that participating will ease the cost-of-living burden and stimulate bus patronage in Herefordshire."

He added: "We too have experience significant and constantly rising cost pressures over the past year, but as demonstrated by our continued investment, we remain committed to bringing affordable, high-quality bus travel to Herefordshire."

Sargeants Brothers currently runs 45 vehicles across commercial routes and local authority services on behalf of Herefordshire Council and Transport for Wales.

It currently has 24 routes listed on the Herefordshire Council website, chiefly in and around Hereford and westwards towards and into Wales.

The firm says it has invested significantly since 2019, including more than £3 million in vehicles, as well as in a newly refurbished depot near Hereford.

Having operated buses in the county since 1928, it will celebrate its centenary in two years' time.

Yeomans meanwhile has yet to commit to the £2 scheme, saying it is awaiting details of how the Government will support it before making its decision, which may take until late November.

Local campaign group, Rail & Bus for Herefordshire, earlier called on the two firms, which between them operate a majority of the county's bus routes, "to do the socially responsible thing, even if it's a little inconvenient commercially".

Councillors on the county's connected communities scrutiny committee also expressed annoyance earlier this week at the companies' failure to commit to the scheme.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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