First Bus in Somerset announces price changes and revised fare zones

These changes, effective from 1 January 2025, introduce four revised, easy-to-understand fare zones, as well making changes to ticket prices, which have been frozen for the last two years.

Adult short hop fares - for journeys up to three miles - will be £2.40, and longer journeys will align with the incoming UK Government’s £3 flat fare cap in England, with a maximum single fare of £3 for journeys above three miles.

Child fares have been simplified, at 50% less than adult single fares.

Fare zones will be revised, meaning there will now be four, easy to understand zones: Taunton; Yeovil; Bridgwater and Network.

Key changes:

• Prices will align with the incoming UK Government’s £3 flat fare cap in England, meaning a short hop fare of £2.40, and a maximum single fare of £3 for longer journeys.
• Day, Week and Month tickets continue to be available, while still offering unlimited travel within the respective zone.
• Four easy to understand fare zones: Taunton; Yeovil; Bridgwater and Network.
• Child tickets will be half price (50% less) of adult fares.
• The £1.50 Adult Single fare and £0.80 Child Single fare continue to be available in Taunton.
• By using Tap On, Tap Off, customers will be charged the best value fare based on their journey. No matter how often you travel, customers will never pay more than the daily or weekly cap.

James Eustace, Commercial Director for First Bus in Somerset, said: “Bus remains one of the cheapest, most convenient, and sustainable ways of travelling.

“Our fares in Somerset have been frozen for the last two years, as we wanted to absorb the inflationary rises, we were experiencing to support our customers. However, like so many other transport providers, we’re facing significant rising costs across our operations.

“We have strived to keep increases to a minimum, with customers on shorter journeys paying £2.40, and longer journey prices aligning with the incoming UK Government’s £3 flat fare cap.”

• For full details on all ticket prices, please visit: Somerset | First Bus
• First Bus in the West of England has also announced fare changes in its part of the county. See details here: https://news-wew.firstbus.co.uk/news/fares-woe-jan2025