Published 23/9/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

Herefordshire bus operator Sargeants Brothers has confirmed it will join the government’s two-pound bus fare cap scheme, following recent criticism from county representatives over local participation in the national initiative.

The local transport provider announced its decision to cap single fares at two pounds across its network, which includes twenty-four routes centred around Hereford and extending into West Herefordshire and Wales.

The announcement comes just days after local councillors expressed strong concern that Herefordshire passengers were missing out on affordable transport. Ledbury councillor Justine Peberdy, who chairs a group examining county bus services, previously raised frustration that major regional operators had not committed to the scheme, noting that the price cap "will not benefit Herefordshire unless our operators choose to participate in it."

Concerns had also been highlighted by campaign group Buses4Us, where representative Tammy Gerber warned that commuting on uncapped routes could cost passengers up to twelve hundred pounds a year more than in areas with capped fares.

Responding to these concerns and confirming their participation, Sargeants Brothers Managing Director Matt Evans explained that while smaller operators have faced tough choices, supporting local passengers remains a priority.

Mr Evans said: "Sargeants, like many other small and medium sized bus operators, have been carefully considering our position with regard to participating in the two-pound fare cap scheme as announced by the Prime Minister.

"We have decided to take part in the scheme, despite having no scheme details, as it is our hope that participating will ease the cost-of-living burden and stimulate bus patronage in Herefordshire."

The decision makes Sargeants the second local operator to commit to the scheme alongside Bromyard-based DRM. Attention now turns to Yeomans Travel, which operates thirty-one routes across the county.

A spokesperson for Yeomans Travel previously stated that with government details "still evolving," a final decision on their participation cannot be made until full proposals and funding details are received later in the autumn.

Highlighting the ongoing economic challenges facing transport providers, Mr Evans emphasized the operator's commitment to the county.

Mr Evans added: "We too have experienced significant and constantly rising cost pressures over the past year, but as demonstrated by our continued investment, we remain committed to bringing affordable, high-quality bus travel to Herefordshire."