Although the maximum single fare for a bus journey in England will go up by a third from the start of 2025, Swindon’s Bus Company says that won’t apply to all of its fares in the borough.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already indicated that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will announce in the budget that the £2 cap on a single journey fare will be raised to £3 running from January 1 to the end of 2025.

The original £2 cap on a single far was introduced in September 2022 by the previous Conservative government to help people afford public transport at a time of rapidly rising costs, especially fuel. It was always due to expire at the end of this year.

A spokesperson for Swindon’s Bus Company, owned by Go South Coast, said: “The bus fare cap grant scheme has supported a significant recovery in patronage, showing that with appropriately priced fares and simple ticketing, bus is an attractive mode of transport for the public.

“We applaud the government for continuing this scheme and look forward to working with our local authority partners to roll it out in the new year.

“Bus plays an important role in connecting communities, supporting workplaces, and enabling economic growth and greater productivity. We are ready to work with the government to develop a long-term plan for fares beyond the end of 2025, and on improvements to the bus network more broadly.”

Not every single fare on the company’s buses now costs £2, and the company spokesman added: “The new maximum for a single fare would be £3 but some fares will be less than this.”

Swindon does not have an official bus users’ group, but a spokesman Claire Walters, the chief executive officer for the charity Bus Users which represents passengers said: “An increase in the fare cap is a retrograde step that will impact the accessibility and affordability of these lifeline services for those most dependent on them.

“The fare cap has been invaluable for millions, encouraging bus use and ensuring people can access vital services, employment and education at a time of economic uncertainty. A £3 cap, while seemingly modest, could place undue strain on passengers already facing rising costs in other areas and discouraging sustainable travel.

“We urge the Government to commit to long-term, ring-fenced funding to ensure bus services remain the affordable and accessible transport option.”

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