All change on town buses

Buses 21.6.2004 Ian D Swift Reporter:-Shelley. selection news. Nigel Winter, commercial director of First Bus, is pictured with two examples of their new buses. -mbus01-12is-

First will increase the cost of some of its fares as of January 4, 2015. to meet the rising cost of operation - says Calderdale’s biggest bus company.

Customers will be delighted to read that some fares will be cheaper than previous years - the company’s ‘week ticket’ will remain at £10; and £7 cheaper than the 2013 week rider.

Overall, changes to First fares across West Yorkshire represent an average increase of 2.8 per cent.

This compares with a national average annual increase to bus fares of 3.1 per cent, according to the Department for Transport.

Paul Turner, head of commercial for First in West Yorkshire, said: “We need to review our fares from time-to-time to meet the ongoing challenge of rising costs to our business and ensure we can continue to invest in improving service for our customers in future.

“These changes help support the extensive 7-day network of services offered across West Yorkshire, many of which are largely dependent upon fares from customers to cover their operating costs.

“I appreciate nobody likes it when prices go up but we have worked hard to keep any increases to a minimum.

“Despite some of these price changes, the cost of travel on a First bus still represents great value-for-money, and customers can continue to travel from less than £1.50 per day.

“Our aim in 2015 is to continue to give value-for-money to our customers and to build upon the customer growth we have delivered over the last two years.”

Responding to news that bus operator First will be raising West Yorkshire fares in the New Year, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport committee chair, councillor James Lewis said: “It is disappointing that at a time when people are seeing widespread media reports of fuel prices dropping significantly, First has taken the decision to introduce this increase in fares that many people already consider expensive.

“While I understand bus companies buy fuel at fixed, hedged prices, I am sure that West Yorkshire’s bus users will join me in calling for a commitment from First to reduce its fares in the future when it starts to benefit from the current in cost.”