West of England bus ticket changes overlap with Somerset-Essex cricket fixtures

First Bus is introducing new ticket options across Somerset and the wider West of England, including Bristol and Bath, from 30 August, the operator said, just as Somerset cricket hosts Essex in Taunton this week [4][2][5].

Somerset County Gazette listed the Somerset vs Essex County Championship match and the Somerset Women vs Durham fixture among Taunton events for 20-26 August [2]. BBC News Somerset reported that Josh Thomas scored a century and Henry Nicholls made 96 on debut as Somerset started well against Essex on 20 August [5]. Earlier, BBC News Somerset said Somerset won their One-Day Cup match against Essex as The Blaze posted a record score [1].

First Bus said the West of England Plus Day Ticket, covering travel across Somerset and the wider West of England area including Bristol and Bath, will be priced at £9.50 for adults from 30 August [4]. Local day tickets for Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil will remain available, with a Town Day Ticket at £6.80 [4].

The standard single fare will increase from £2.40 to £2.60, while the £3 fare cap remains, First Bus said [4]. Weekly and monthly tickets will be available only through the First Bus app or Tap On, Tap Off, and no longer via the driver [4].

On the same date, First Bus said it will revise afternoon or weekday timetables on Essex services 21S, 27 and 200 to better align with school movements, and transfer services 88/88A and 4 to Central Connect [3].