Bus passengers travelling around Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle are set to benefit from discounted ticket prices from next month.
In partnership with all bus operators across the city, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is introducing a brand-new Affordable Fares scheme which will see existing fares cut by up to 50 per cent.
The scheme, which will come into force on Saturday 1 July, is part of a city-wide effort to encourage more people to use public transport when travelling in and around the city.
As well as big discounts on current prices, bus users will be able to use the same ‘smart’ ticket across all bus services in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle.
Under the Affordable Fares scheme adult tickets will be reduced by up to 50 per cent meaning an adult single ticket will cost just £2, an adult day ticket will cost just £3.50 and an adult week ticket will cost just £12.
The young person’s ticket has also been extended as part of the scheme, meaning tickets for people aged 18 and under will now cost £1.50 (single) £2 (day) and £7 (week). This represents a reduction of over 50 per cent on 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).
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.”
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for environment and enforcement, said: “We want to make it as easy and as affordable as possible for our residents to travel around the city no matter their age or circumstances and we believe that our Affordable Fares scheme will take us one step closer to achieving that.
“I would encourage as many residents as possible to make the most of these discounted prices and enjoy everything that the city has to offer.”
The Affordable Fares scheme will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months, initially until 30 June, 2024.
It is the first of a number of bus service improvements which are set to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent over the next three years as part of a £31.6 million investment.
Earlier this month, Stoke-on-Trent City Council officials outlined the plans at a meeting with Richard Holden MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for roads and local transport.
Members and officers discussed the opportunities around renewable energy and highlighted the need for a clear plan, and additional funding, by government to enable a better bus network to be restored across the city beyond the next three years.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Stoke-on-Trent City Council with almost £32 million to boost its bus services across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
“Supporting all bus operators in Stoke-on-Trent in cutting existing fares by up to 50 per cent, thanks to the Affordable Fares scheme, is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Stoke-o-Trent and Newcastle have to offer.”
