Bus fares in Northamptonshire are to rise by an average of 2.5 per cent from April 12, Stagecoach has revealed.
The changes follow an annual review conducted by the bus operator which it says reflect growing staff costs as the economy continues to improve while there has been a real-terms cut to the reimbursement paid to bus operators under the government’s free concessionary bus travel scheme.
Single and return fares up to £2.65 will increase by 5p, single and return fares from £2.70 to £5.10 will increase by 10p, single and return fares over £5.10 will increase by up to 20p.
Stagecoach say money from fares is to be invested in more modern, greener vehicles, smart-ticketing and improved services as part of £80million of new investment.
Steve Burd, managing director of Stagecoach Midlands, said: “Many sectors of the economy are facing rising costs and buses are no different. Prices are also being affected by the continued restrictions on public sector spending on buses.
“We have done our best to hold down prices for our customers. Stagecoach still has the lowest bus fares of any major bus operator in Britain and catching the bus is still significantly cheaper than commuting by car.
“We are continuing to use the money we get from fares to reinvest in greener buses, smart ticketing and other improvements to services, as well as our employees who deliver these vital bus service in our communities.”
The price rise comes after the government admitting yesterday writing to Stagecoach and other major bus operators seeking assurance they will be passing on the fall in the price of oil to customers.