THE PRICE of bus services in Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas have increased, due to financial losses.
Last year Diamond Buses, the main operator in the area, said that unless passenger demand increases they will have to withdraw several services due to a rise in costs.
Services have remained in place, but the cost of tickets have raised by ‘approximately 10 – 20 per cent’ according to Diamond Buses.
In September 2022 an Adult Day ticket was £3.50, it has now increased to £4.80.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said: “Diamond will continue to take part in the current Government funded £2 fare cap scheme, with a single journey costing no more than just £2 on most services.
“However other ticket prices will increase in the following ticketing zones: Redditch, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Network Zone A.
“We understand that the general cost of living has increased for many people, and in these difficult times, to hear that bus fares in the region will also be increasing is not welcome news.
“However, it is an unfortunate necessity in order to make our network more viable and reduce the risk of significant service cuts to the bus network in the future.”
In addition to Diamond changes there will also be fare increases on Worcestershire Multi-Operator Connecta tickets from the same date.
Councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “While a fare increase is always regrettable, and we know how important bus services are to people in Worcestershire, it is a necessary step to account for rising operational expenses faced by operators and some of the fares listed have not increased for a number of years.
“Our focus as a County Council remains steadfast on implementing measures that secure and enhance the future of our public transportation services, and keep our towns and villages connected.
“The establishment of the new statutory-based Enhanced Partnership, coupled with the government’s recent funding for our Bus Service Improvement Plan, demonstrates our commitment to delivering improved quality and efficiency in our bus services for the benefit of our community.”
Visit https://www.diamondbuses.com/media/4856/may23-worcs-fare-changes.pdf for information on the new ticket prices.
