Buses in West Yorkshire to charge a maximum fare of £5 from today
An overhaul of bus fares in the region kicks in today
Bus passengers in West Yorkshire will pay a maximum of £5.20, thanks to new fares coming in today (December 13th).
First Bus has announced an overhaul of its fare structure, introducing a new 'Tap On Tap Off' service for the region.
Other fare types have been reduced on First Bus routes. Single journeys will now cost £1.40, with the most expensive journeys now set at £2.90.
In addition, First Bus has introduced a discounted Return fare starting at £2.50, reducing the need to buy two single tickets.
The changes come as part of the West Yorkshire's Bus Service Improvement Plan, made in conjunction between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the region's bus providers.
Following the submission of the proposal in October, the government gave the green light for the scheme. Over £850,000 has been invested into the 'Tap On Tap Off' technology on First's fleet.
Speaking about the change in prices, First Bus said that the aim was "to achieve equality between districts and boundaries have been removed, enabling travel anywhere in the region with the same ticket".
In response to the price changes, the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “First’s price changes mean that some people in West Yorkshire will pay more to travel on their services and we cannot support anything that adds to the cost of living, just before Christmas, which is currently very high for many.
Unfortunately, I currently have no control over how bus operators set their fares. Our Bus Service Improvement Plan does seek to reduce the cost of bus travel, but this may require a different relationship with bus operators."
However, Mrs Brabin did welcome the shift in fares to reflect people's changing travel habits across the region.