Changes to First Bus tickets

New tickets and fares to reflect “new ways that people are travelling” as a result of pandemic

First Bus has unveiled a major overhaul of its ticketing across the West of England – to encourage more people to travel when restrictions ease by offering “more flexibility and choice”.

The new tickets and fares which launched yesterday (23 January) have been developed following analysis of customers’ travel patterns.

First says it wants to make sure the range of tickets “reflects the new ways that people are travelling as a result of the pandemic”.

This is especially focused on the emergence of hybrid working – with more people choosing to work from home for part of the week – and the end for many, of the traditional five-day commute.

Day Ticket bundles

Among the changes being introduced are new Day Ticket bundles that avoid customers having to buy a week or month ticket and waste money on days when they don’t travel. The new three and five-day options are for people who either no longer do the Monday to Friday commute or use their ticket over the weekend.

When bought through the First Bus app – these new bundles will allow customers to spread their travel over longer periods, with larger bundles also available to maximise savings.

New 2-Trip tickets will also allow travellers to save against the cost of a Day Ticket when using only two buses in a day.

Same fares for cash customers

On-bus and off-bus fares will be made the same – meaning customers who pay by contactless onboard will now benefit from the same price as those paying through the app.  

Commercial Director of First West of England, Rob Pymm, said: “This is a significant change to our fares which will benefit hundreds of thousands of people who travel with us across the West of England every week.

“The new Day Ticket bundles and 2-Trip fares are designed to fit the way our customers travel, especially those commuting less as a result of the pandemic, and we’re pleased to also be able to freeze or reduce our single fares at a time when cost of living increases are putting pressure on hard-pressed household budgets.

“Bus travel has taken a huge hit as a result of the pandemic, so we needed to ensure our ticket range works for those that have continued to rely on the bus throughout the pandemic, whilst at the same time suiting those who will come back to the bus when conditions allow or are thinking of giving the bus a try for the first time.”

A full breakdown of the new fare structure can be found at www.newbustickets.co.uk