Telford & Wrekin Council developing plans to extend £2 bus fare across all bus routes

Plans to introduce a £2 single fare cap for all bus journeys within Telford and Wrekin are being developed as part of the Council’s budget proposals.

As part of its draft Budget for 2026/27, Telford & Wrekin Council has allocated funding to explore how these plans could be developed. This would include exploring how a flat £2 single bus fare could be introduced across journeys within Telford & Wrekin.

The £2 single fare currently applies to only council-operated services which make up around 24% of the local bus network. The new proposal would look to extend the flat rate across all journeys within Telford & Wrekin, offering a consistent single journey fare for passengers across the borough.

The proposal would build on the Council’s ongoing work to strengthen public transport, widening access to a consistent, low-cost fare no matter which service residents rely on for work, school, healthcare or visiting family and friends.

For the past two years, the council has maintained the lowest single bus fare in the Midlands and one of the lowest in the whole country on its own routes. Extending this offer borough-wide would support more people to make regular journeys confidently and affordably. If approved and once plans are developed with operators, it would make bus travel simpler and more affordable for residents.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Economy & Transport, said:

“We know affordable, reliable transport plays an important role in people’s daily lives. A flat £2 fare across all journeys within Telford and Wrekin would make everyday travel easier and better value for residents across the borough.

“Buses aren’t just about getting from A to B, they connect people to work, school, healthcare and family. We remain committed to strengthening services across Telford and Wrekin.”

The draft Budget proposal will be considered in the coming weeks, with further details to be confirmed following Full Council.

As well as investing in capping bus fares, Telford & Wrekin Council’s proposed Budget for 2026/27 commits £150 million to supporting vulnerable children, people with disabilities and older adults, equal to 70p in every £1 the Council spends to provide care and support for people who need it most. At the same time as keeping Council Tax the lowest in the Midlands, the Budget will also deliver £437 million in capital investment into the priorities residents value most, including better homes and roads, expanding schools, enhancing bus services, and supporting our high streets.

Find out more about the 2026/27 Budget proposals, and share your views at telford.gov.uk/budget.