Stagecoach to increase bus fares by 15 % next month
The bus operator said the price increase is due to the impact felt by cost-of-living crisis.
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
One of Ayrshire’s main bus operators has announced an increase in fares due to start as early as next month.
Stagecoach West Scotland has confirmed they’ll be increasing all fares by an average of 15% across all bus services operated by them.
Price Increase from April
The changes are set to come into effect from Sunday 2 April, 2023.
The bus operator says they’ve encountered several challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, recruitment shortages and rising operating costs, and the fare increase will go towards paying for day-to-day services and ‘continued investment’ in new buses and customer improvements.
A statement from Stagecoach West said: “Priorities and focus will remain on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps toward achieving our vision for decarbonisation. All of this is vital to support the country's green recovery and meet our own net-zero ambitions while supporting the policies set out by the Scottish Government and Local Authority Stakeholders.
“With bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level, it is vital that as commercial bus operators, Stagecoach make decisions that will future-proof the viability of its network for our customers and colleagues.
“The emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government to ensure a level of bus service for people to access local amenities, which would not have been commercially sustainable has been reduced over the past 12 months and from 31st March 2023 will be withdrawn altogether. “
"Still good value for money"
Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland added that although the price increase will not be welcome during a time of rising bills everywhere, she still insisted it will remain good value for money.
She said: “With operating costs continuing to rise, we will be making changes to our fares from 2nd April to prioritise investment in our people, our fleet and our customers.
“We understand the cost-of-living pressures our customers face, and we realise that fare increases are not welcome however, we strongly believe our fares still represent good value for money.”