Bus discount extended, but most fares to go up
A fare discount scheme for buses that has seen some ticket prices reduced by almost half will continue until the end of March, a council has announced.
The Smart Fares scheme in Stoke-on-Trent was launched in July 2023 after the city council teamed up with the five local bus operators.
The council said nearly 2.5 million tickets had been sold since then and more than 12.5 million bus trips had been made in the area, which covers the city and immediate surrounding areas in north Staffordshire.
The council said some fares would increase from 1 November, however, in order to make the most of government funding and keep running the project "for as long as possible".
An adult daily ticket, which represents a discount of about 28%, will remain at £4.80 the authority said.
The new prices from 1 November are:
- Adult day ticket - £4.80 (no change)
- Adult week ticket - £14 (up from £12)
- Adult month ticket - £49 (up from £42)
- Adult year ticket - £560 (up from £504)
- Young person's day ticket - £3.70 (up from £3.50)
- Young person's week ticket – £10 (up from £9)
- Young person's month ticket - £37 (up from £31.50)
- Young person's year ticket - £420 (up from £378)
Adult and young person three-month tickets had been removed from the scheme due to lack of uptake, they added.
The initiative includes travel on bus services operated by First, D&G, Stantons of Stoke, Scraggs and Arriva Midlands.
"Millions of journeys have been made across our city, and that tells a story of progress," said councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker.
"Extending the scheme means keeping that momentum going, keeping travel affordable, and keeping our communities connected.
"Alongside new and improved routes, we're transforming the bus network into something that works for everyone, because transportation is about freedom, opportunity, and the dignity of being able to get where you need to go."
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.