Stagecoach says “significantly increased costs” has forced a hike in bus fares from the New Year – but is facing mounting political criticism for their decision.
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I am absolutely outraged to hear that Stagecoach plan to increase their ticket prices across all their services and to announce it just before Christmas is heartless.
“Whilst it will not make this dreadful news any easier, following our intervention, Stagecoach have agreed to delay the increases until the New Year.
“I am furious; this is an added blow following the bus company’s decision to axe or reduce more than 30 services and comes after they posted notice of significant profits, as a Group, earlier in the year.
“These price hikes, which will see ‘large group’ tickets increase by £2, leaves Cambridgeshire residents facing punishing price rises just as they are also trying to cope with paying rising heating and shopping bills.”
She added: “I urge Stagecoach to re-think these price increases and I will continue to work tirelessly on the need for a different relationship with bus companies.
“We are working with the Greater Cambridge Partnership and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, as well as lobbying the Government to try to ensure those who rely on buses are not constantly left at the mercy of Stagecoach’s profit margin.”
Cllr Neil Shailer, vice chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This really is awful news and goes against everything we are trying to do as a Joint Administration around more accessible, affordable, and sustainable travel options.
“This is a shockingly callous commercial decision, over which we have no control.
“The agreement to delay the increases until the New Year will help in the run up to Christmas. But this, once again, points to the need to get back control of our buses and put public money into public services.”
Stagecoach East provides local bus services in Bedford, Cambridge, Huntingdon, and Peterborough.
Darren Roe, managing director for Stagecoach East, said: “Stagecoach has consistently delivered some of the lowest ticket prices in the country and we are committed to continuing to keep fares as low as possible for our passengers.
“However, businesses such as Stagecoach have been facing significantly increased costs which continue to put pressure on fares.
“We have worked hard to absorb as many of these costs as possible to keep fares increases below the level of inflation. In order to facilitate this increase and keep up with inflation of operational and fuel costs, we have no option but to slightly increase our fares, in order to keep our services in the East running.
“The money from fares goes towards paying for the day-to-day running of services, as well as being re-invested into improvements for our customers, including in new buses, and improved technology to help make travel easier.”
On their website, Stagecoach East says: “We’re proud to be many things to many people. Pop into town on one of our local services. Heading further afield for a day out?
“We’ll get your journey off to a great start. Need to find an easy, affordable way to help your staff get to work? Our Stagecoach Solutions team is ready to help.
“We’ve achieved so much in the last 40 years and we’re proud of our go-getting spirit.”
