Passengers in Telford will benefit from cheaper travel starting 18 May 2026, as Telford & Wrekin Council expands its flat bus fare scheme to cover both council-run and commercial services. This move makes the area one of the first in the Midlands to provide consistent low-cost tickets across all local bus operators.
Under the new rules, adult passengers will pay no more than £2 for a single journey that starts and ends within the borough, while the cost for those under 19 will be capped at £1. These prices will apply to both the council’s own Travel Telford services and those operated by Arriva.
Previously, this flat fare was only available on council-run routes, which account for about 24% of the local bus network. The expansion follows the council’s decision to subsidise commercial operators as part of its 2026/27 budget, ensuring that residents have access to more affordable transport options across a wider range of services.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Economy & Transport at the council, stated that the move recognises the importance of affordable and reliable transport in residents’ daily lives. The initiative builds on the success of the Travel Telford services, which have recorded more than 800,000 passenger journeys since they were introduced in December 2022.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.