Adult bus fares in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are being reduced by up to 50 per cent for the next 12 months.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Affordable Fares scheme means people can travel to work by bus, avoid parking charges and reduce emissions around North Staffordshire for as low as £1.71 a day using a weekly ticket.
Under the initiative, which starts on Saturday 1 July, adult single tickets will cost just £2, an adult day ticket will cost £3.50 and an adult week ticket just £12.
However, the move comes just days after a decision by bus operator First Potteries to slash services or reduce frequencies on a number of routes in North Staffordshire – a move that has led to many residents and commuters setting up petitions and calling for a rethink.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for planning, climate change and regeneration, said: “Our flagship Affordable Fares scheme is just one of a number of transport improvements we are planning to make in the city over the next three years as part of a multi-million pound investment in public transport.
“We are working with bus companies, government ministers and other valued partners to ensure we can deliver the very best for our residents.
“We will be inviting bus companies to a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss how we can continue to make improvements to the city’s bus services now and in the future.”
As part of the Affordable Fares Scheme, the young person’s ticket has also been extended, meaning tickets for people aged 18 and under will now cost £1.50 (single) £2 (day) and £7 (week), more than halving current ticket prices.
Children under five and concessionary travel pass holders will continue to travel free of charge (after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays).
• The Affordable Fares scheme is funded under the £31.6 million BSIP (bus service improvement programme) allocation provided to the city council by the Department of Transport.
