National Express Dundee bus fares set to rise by up to 38%
Anyone travelling four stages or more on Dundee's buses will be charged £2, up from £1.45, from January 5.
Gavin Booth, chairman of Bus Users UK, said he was "concerned" about the price hike hitting those earning least the hardest.
"That's quite a substantial jump, and for lots of people on limited incomes it could make it difficult for them to use buses as much as they would like," he said.
"I understand bus companies — like the rest of us — are facing increased costs, but it's disappointing when fares rise at that sort of level.
"I could understand a five or 10% rise, but that is very disappointing and is not going to encourage the use of buses."
The company's adult daysaver fare will rise to £3 — the same as the equivalent in Edinburgh and cheaper than Glasgow and Aberdeen — while a weekly ticket will cost £11.
National Express Dundee blamed the more expensive fares on the rising costs of running the business, particularly on buying petrol and diesel for its fleet of buses.
Dave Kaye, managing director of National Express bus, said the company still had some of the most competitive prices in Scotland.
He said, "Fares in Dundee are still excellent value when compared to other major Scottish cities and our focus in 2011 is improving the quality of journey for all our customers."
West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson said he would be taking the issue up with the National Express Dundee's new director, Simon Mathieson.
A spokeswoman for National Express Dundee said, "The vast majority of people using the buses in Dundee travel within fare zones one to three.
"The four plus stage is for longer cross city journeys and reflects the costs of running longer services.
"However, the maximum customers will pay for one day's travel is £3 no matter how much they use the bus.
"The fares are still excellent value compared to other modes of transport and allow you to travel across the region for a maximum of £2 one way."
07.11pm - 22.12.2010 passanger - dundee, scotland Report This
why did u take the 21 woodside service of and the 55 route and replace it with a 23 could u put it back 2 the original way and u will get your customers back again early mornings were good 4 people and the buses were allways busy
05.19pm - 24.12.2010 Mel - Dundee, UK Report This
The day tickets may be on par with Edinburgh, however with LRT (edinburgh's local buses) the maximum fare is £1.20. You can travel within Edinburgh and the Lothians on that fare. Glasgow is very similar. I've always found Travel Dundee buses expensive.
08.21am - 29.12.2010 Bus User - dundee, Tayside Report This
expensive and with the new buses purchased non pram friendly - look at the new bus - same set up on the pram/wheelchair side as a double decker the double decker will allow 3 prams but the new singles will only allow one pram - clearly not interested in non paying customers!!!!!!
08.21pm - 05.01.2011 shoogs - dundee, scotland Report This
Another outrageous price hike on a service that is nowhere near as reliable as it used to be. The 17 service in particular is incredibly hit or miss. Ipersonally will be walking more in 2011 and am grateful that I do not rely on dundee's bus service. Get a taxi with friends instead!
Add a comment