Herefordshire's two largest bus operators, Yeomans Travel and Sargeants Brothers, have not yet committed to the government's flat £2 bus fare cap. The price cap scheme is scheduled to revert to £2 from the current £3 in England starting in January 2027.
Councillor Justine Peberdy stated that the scheme "will not benefit Herefordshire unless our operators choose to participate in it." Both Yeomans Travel and Sargeants Brothers did not participate in the current £3 bus fare cap.
A spokesperson for Yeomans Travel indicated that a final decision on participation cannot be made at this point, as details of the scheme are "still evolving." They added that they do not expect to receive the government's proposal until late November. Sargeants Brothers was also contacted for comment.
Bromyard-based DRM does plan to participate in the scheme. Independent councillor Nick Mason expressed concern that it would be "horrendous" if Herefordshire fares cost more while the rest of the country took part.