Latest news with #busfare
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
West Midlands bus passengers face hike in fares after review
Bus fares are to increase by 8.6% as a result of rising costs faced by bus operators, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) 15 June, a day ticket will rise by 40p to £5.20; a four-week fare will go up from £64 to £70, and the monthly direct debit fare is to change from £59 to £ fare rise follows an independent review, instigated by bus operators, which recommended the increase and which TfWM was required to introduce. The public body said its monthly and annual bus passes would remain among the lowest in this month, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker signed an order to bring the region's bus network back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years. TfWM said the West Midlands Combined Authority, which it is part of, had agreed to continue the £50m a year funding to "support struggling operators and prevent further reductions in bus services".Matt Lewis, TfWM commercial director – bus and operations, stated it was a "difficult time for people and money is tight". Long-term investment The public body had worked hard with "our bus operators to keep these increases to an absolute minimum" and keep its services on the road, he a franchise system, the TfWM and regional leaders will take control of routes and timetables and set fares, as well as make long-term investments in services. Private operators will bid to run services on behalf of TfWM, and this will be introduced in phases from 2027, with the rollout completed during 3,600 people who took part in a consultation, including organisations, 75% who expressed a preference backed bringing services under public control, the combined authority has one-off costs of setting up the new operation and designing the network were expected to be £22.5m over three years, it had stated. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Reading bus prices to rise after government funding ends
Bus tickets prices in Reading are set to rise as government funding comes to an borough council said five million All-Bus tickets had been sold since the scheme was introduced in March 2023 as part of its £26m Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said the council's scheme had brought bus usage close to pre-Covid levels, and that the authority remained "committed" to making public transport more he said the government funding "was never going to last forever" and the council could not subsidise bus travel. The All-Bus tickets allow passengers all-day travel on services run by several different operators in the Reading Monday, the ticket will cost £4.90 on an app and £5.40 if purchased on the bus. Currently, it costs £3.40 on the app and £3.50 on the Young Persons All-Bus ticket - currently £2.60 if bought on the app - will cost £4.20, and the Group All-Bus ticket will cost £10.80 during the peak period and £8.80 off-peak. Service improvements The council has introduced a number of improvements to its bus services, including the introduction of tap-on-tap-off payment and adding new services, such as those to and from Reading Green Park railway station."The council's BSIP has so far been successful in helping to bring passenger numbers close to the level they were before the Covid pandemic," said Mr Ennis."Reading already had an excellent bus service and the BSIP funding has allowed us to introduce a wide range of improvements to make bus journeys even more reliable, convenient, easier, faster and cheaper."Encouraging more people to travel by bus takes cars off roads, reduces congestion, improves air quality and benefits the health of Reading residents." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Caught overcharging during Hari Raya, two express bus firms face APAD action
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Authorities have penalised two express bus operators for violating festive season fare limits during Hari Raya 2025. The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) said it also issued show-cause letters to 13 companies, with five facing a second round of scrutiny. Passengers travelling on economy buses between March 15 and April 6 were affected, particularly across eight busy routes nationwide. These included trips from hubs such as Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and Penang Sentral, where APAD recorded unauthorised fare increases. Under current rules, economy bus fares cannot exceed RM0.093 per kilometre, even with the 10 per cent festive surcharge. One operator was suspended for two weeks after failing to respond to APAD's second notice. Another received a warning, as the price hike was found to be minimal. 'APAD will continue to monitor the operations of express bus companies from time to time, especially during festive seasons, to prevent any fare increases exceeding the allowed ceiling rate,' the agency said in a statement. The agency said passengers are encouraged to report suspicious fare hikes, especially during peak travel seasons.
