NEWSROOM

The national commitment, announced today by the Government, mirrors the approach already in place in Telford and Wrekin, where the Council has worked in close partnership with local bus operators to keep travel costs down and support residents through the cost of living.

Since the introduction of Council-supported Travel Telford routes, more than one million passenger journeys have been made across the network, reflecting the value residents place on affordable, reliable local transport.

The Council has also continued to expand its innovative Bus on Demand service, giving communities flexible transport options and improving access to employment, education and essential services, particularly in areas not well served by traditional bus routes.

Elsewhere across the network, new and upgraded bus shelters have been installed to improve comfort, accessibility and the waiting environment for passengers, while the introduction of journey planning technology - including the integration of local bus services into the Citymapper app - is making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to plan journeys around the Borough.

This work forms part of the Council's wider Telford Works with You campaign, which brings together cost of living support across the Borough, helping residents access the help available to make everyday life more affordable - including through cheaper, easier travel.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity, said: "We're really pleased to see the Government follow the lead that Telford & Wrekin Council set back in late 2024, when we made the decision to hold single bus fares at £2 for adults and £1 for children across our network. We know how much of a difference affordable transport makes to people's everyday lives to support with the cost of living; whether that's getting to work, to school, to a medical appointment or simply staying connected with family and friends, we want all residents to be supported.

"This has only been possible thanks to the strong partnership working we have with our local bus operators, and I want to thank them for continuing to work with us to keep fares low and improve services, from new bus shelters to the expansion of our Bus on Demand scheme and new journey planning tools like Citymapper.

"Affordable transport is a key part of how we’re working with you, and we'll keep working with partners to make sure getting around the Borough is as easy and affordable as possible for everyone."

The Council will continue working with bus operators across the Borough to improve reliability, accessibility and connectivity, ensuring residents can rely on affordable transport now and in the future.

For more information on cost of living support available across the Borough, visit www.telford.gov.uk/costofliving