Bus operator Stagecoach Bluebird is set to raise fares by an average of 12 per cent across its network from the start of the announced month of April.
David Peyton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Bluebird, said: “As operating costs continue to rise, we will be making changes to our pricing from April 2 to prioritize investment in our people, fleet and customers.
“We understand the cost-of-living pressures our clients are facing, and we realize that price increases are unwelcome, however, we believe strongly that our rates still represent good value for money.
“Our business has faced many challenges including the global COVID-19 pandemic, industry-wide staffing shortages, and rising costs.
“The cost of living crisis has hit business as well, and there have been significant increases in our three biggest costs – wages, fuel and engineering parts.”
He continued, “As we look to the future, we want to continue investing in our people, our fleet, including increasing zero-emission buses and technology to improve customer experience.
“Our priority and focus will remain on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps towards achieving our decarbonization vision.
“All of this is vital to supporting the country’s green recovery and meeting our net zero ambitions while supporting the policies put in place by the Scottish Government and local authority stakeholders.
“As bus user numbers have not returned to the pre-pandemic level, it is critical that we as commercial bus operators make decisions that will prove in the future the viability of our network to our customers and colleagues.
“Emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government to ensure a level of bus service for people to access local facilities, which would not have been commercially sustainable, has been reduced over the past 12 months and will be withdrawn completely from 31 March.
“As a result of this change, from Sunday, April 2, all fares will increase by an average of 12 per cent across all bus services operated by Bluebird.
To find the best fare rate, please download the Stagecoach Bus app or visit www.stagecoachbus.com stagecoachbus.com/tickets.
Tickets include single travel, return travel, day travel, fully flexible packages, weekly and long-term options depending on your travel habits.
The following rates will be offered by Stagecoach Bluebird –
All young people and children between the ages of 5 and 21 living in Scotland can apply for a Free Bus Travel Pass to access the Free Young People (Under 22) Bus Travel programme.
If you are over 60 or have a disability, you may be eligible for free coach travel to get around Scotland and your local area. You can access this with the National Merit Card, Scotland’s free bus travel pass.
The National Merit Card Scheme also allows free travel for chaperones where required by eligible disabled people of any age (including children under 5)
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