Bus fares in Devon to increase by average of 4.2%, says Stagecoach

STAGECOACH has blamed rising costs and reduced public sector investment for its decision to raise its fares in Devon by an average of 4.2 per cent.

The increases will come into effect on April 1. The cost of a weekly Exeter Megarider will change from £13.00 to £13.50.

But some passengers will see their fares frozen, including families who purchase the Family Explorer ticket which will remain at £15.00.

There will also be no price increase to the £1 child add on ticket2 which is available at weekends, Bank Holidays and throughout the school holidays.

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Stagecoach said that continued rising costs – including labour, energy, fuel and insurance costs - and reduced public sector investment in bus services has resulted in the operator having no choice but to increase some fares.

Michelle Hargreaves, managing director of Stagecoach South West said: “In many areas, local authority investment in bus services has reduced as a result of council spending cuts. Many local authorities have also reduced the budget they use to fund the free concessionary bus travel passengers scheme, putting pressure on fares and bus networks for many bus users in England.

"We understand that this will be frustrating for our passengers. Unfortunately we have had to take some difficult decisions but we have done our best to keep fare changes to a minimum.

“We are facing continued rising costs in a number of areas of our business and we are seeing reduced public sector support for bus services as local authority budgets continue to be squeezed.

“We have worked hard to keep fares down for those who rely on the bus the most. As the cost of motoring continues to rise, our bus services continue to offer a greener, smarter and better value way to travel and we are committed to re-investing income from fares in further improvements for passengers."

In recognition of Exeter’s increased catchment area and new developments such as Cranbrook, Stagecoach South West is introducing the Exeter Dayrider Plus and Exeter Megarider Plus1. The new tickets provide an option for people commuting from areas such as Broadclyst, Cranbrook and Kennford.