West Midlands bus fares now £2 as prices on trains rise
Bus fares in the West Midlands today went up to £2 for a one-way journey as the region's biggest operator imposed a 10p hike – exactly 12 months after the last 10p price rise.
And a backlash against rail fare increases began today as passengers were facing a 3.9 per cent rise across the board for tickets.
The rise follows a miserable few weeks for many commuters who have had to contend with floods, signal failures and, on some routes, staff shortages.
Bus company National Express West Midlands has blamed the above-inflation rise on soaring fuel costs and other financial pressures.
Daysaver and Travelcard fares have also gone up.
Peter Coates, managing director for National Express West Midlands said: "The price rise will allow us to continue our significant investment into the region's bus network and meet rising business costs such as fuel."
Daysavers have risen by 10p from £3.80 to £3.90 for adults and from £2.60 to £2.70 for children, and Travelcards by 50p a week. Monthly
Travelcards valid across the West Midlands have gone up from £54 to £55.50 or from £48 to £49.50 if paid by direct debit.
The rise comes exactly a year after the last 10p increase in a single fare. Arriva, which runs many of the bus services in Staffordshire, has not put fares up.
