Fare cap and other changes from 1st January 2025

The Government fare cap is increasing on January 1st from £2 to £3 for a single journey.  This means that whatever the single fare is, you will pay no more than £3.

Although a £1 increase, for longer journeys this still represents a huge saving on single fares where the normal fare may be £4, £5 or more.  However, for many journeys, the normal fare is between £2 and £3, so the price you pay will be that fare without the need for capping.  To ensure you pay the correct fare, please remember to state your destination to the driver.

If your route has TapOn TapOff, you will be capped at the single fare or if you make subsequent journeys at the Day Ticket price.  It could be that if making a return journey of two trips in the opposite direction between the same points, a return ticket would be better value. 

If you travel regularly, you may find that weekly, monthly or longer tickets may be appropriate for your journey.  The best way to check all options is to use our journey planner, though this works in real time and will be updated in due course.

The app will have new £3 tickets available if you are continuing to use the single fares.  Please remember that the £2 tickets will not be valid after 31st December, as indicated at purchase.

Further information on the fare cap changes can be found here.

Other Changes

We are also making a few other changes to methods of payment.

As more customers have switched to mobile tickets, our adult smartcards are being discontinued and the small number of customers who still use them should have been contacted by our customer services team.  Our Boost smartcards for young people will still be available to purchase or top up from our online shop (though we will no longer be able to top up on the bus).

We are making some changes too to our simplySouth Bracknell zone.  From January 1st, this ticket will no longer be valid on flightline703.  Customers who normally use this ticket between Bracknell and north Ascot should switch to our simplyBracknell & Wokingham ticket, which covers a wider area.   Also, the simplySouth Bracknell weekly ticket will no longer be available to purchase from the bus driver, sales are moving to our Thames Valley Buses app only.  If you need help setting up an account, please speak to customer services.

Finally, the short hop single fare between Langley, Colnbrook, Poyle and Heathrow on route 5 and flightline703 will increase to £1.50.