Stoke-on-Trent to introduce Affordable Fares scheme

It will see existing fares cut by up to 50 percent.

Author: Hannah RichardsonPublished 24th Jun 2023
Last updated 24th Jun 2023

People in Stoke-on-Trent are set to see a better and more affordable bus network in the months ahead.

Roads Minister Richard Holden has been meeting with First Potteries and city officials to discuss how 31 million pounds of fresh funding is being spent.

He said: "It's also more broadly about having a bus service that is more reliable.

"It's a big investment one of the highest in the country and it's coming right here to Stoke-on-Trent."

Bus operators are welcoming the move and are also set to see a benefit from the Affordable Fares scheme.

It will see existing fares cut by up to 50 percent.

The scheme will come into force on Saturday 1 July, as part of a city-wide effort to encourage more people travelling around the city.

Bus users will all start being able to use the same 'smart' ticket in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Under the Affordable Fares scheme an Adult Single ticket will cost just £2, an Adult Day ticket will cost just £3.50 and an Adult Week ticket will cost just £12.

The young person’s ticket has also been extended as part of the scheme, meaning tickets for people aged 18 and under will now cost £1.50 (Single) £2 (Day) and £7 (Week).

The Affordable Fares scheme will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months, initially until 30 June, 2024.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.