NATIONAL Express West Midlands’ bus fares are set to increase, including the 20 and 20A serving Bromsgrove.
From July 3, an all day ticket on the service from the town to Rubery, Northfield and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rising from 50p from £4 to £4.50.
All NXWM services, including the popular 60s, 18 and others, will also be covered by the rise.
But the company insists the West Midlands will continue to have the cheapest bus tickets of any city region in England, and an all day ticket below the price in 2017.
A weekly pass will be £17, a £2 increase from £15 currently.
Paying by Direct Debit remains the most cost effective way to travel with a monthly price of £55.
NX says it is the first price rise since 2017 for the majority of fares. The day ticket will remain cheaper than in 2017.
The operator adds the price rises are needed to protect the bus network – the services that customers use every day – in the face of rising costs.
It says prices, including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased to 125 per cent while the number of people using buses remains around 90 per cent of what it was before the pandemic.
A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that in the face of a difficult inflation environment, we’re able to protect the bus network and still have the cheapest all day ticket price of any city region in England at £4.50.
“Our day ticket remains cheaper than in 2017.
“We’re on our customers’ side and we will continue to work hard to ensure a reliable bus service and to help them take advantage of great value travel.”
Full details of the price increases
- All day ticket £4.50, up from £4
- Weekly pass £17, up from £15
- Direct Debit – best value of all – £55 a month.
National Express West Midlands is reviewing whether it will participate in the Government’s forthcoming £2 fare cap scheme.
For further details and the latest information about the July 3 changes, visit www.nxbus.co.uk/fares.
