Passengers travelling around Stoke-on-Trent and neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme are set to benefit from discounted ticket prices from next month as the result of a partnership between local bus operators and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The city’s new Affordable Fares scheme promises fare cuts of up to 50% from 1 July as part of a city-wide effort to encourage more people to use public transport when travelling in and around the city.
Adult tickets will continue at the £2 rate, whilst an adult day ticket will cost £3.50 and an adult week ticket will be £12, valid on all operators’ services. The city’s young person’s ticket has also been extended as part of the scheme, meaning tickets for people aged 18 and under will now cost £1.50 for a single, £2 for a day or £7 for a week. Children under five and concessionary travel pass holders will continue to travel free of charge after 0930hrs on weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
Councillor Duncan Walker, the City Council’s cabinet member for planning, climate change and regeneration, said: “Our flagship Affordable Fares scheme is just one of a number of transport improvements we are planning to make in the city over the next three years as part of a multi-million pound investment in public transport.
“We are working with bus companies, government ministers and other valued partners to ensure we can deliver the very best for our residents. We will be inviting bus companies to a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss how we can continue to make improvements to the city’s bus services now and in the future.”
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for environment and enforcement, added: “We want to make it as easy and as affordable as possible for our residents to travel around the city no matter their age or circumstances and we believe that our Affordable Fares scheme will take us one step closer to achieving that. I would encourage as many residents as possible to make the most of these discounted prices and enjoy everything that the city has to offer.”
The Affordable Fares scheme will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months, initially until 30 June, 2024. It is the first of a number of bus service improvement plans which are set to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent over the next three years as part of a £31.6 million investment.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Stoke-on-Trent City Council with almost £32 million to boost its bus services across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Supporting all bus operators in Stoke-on-Trent in cutting existing fares by up to 50%, thanks to the Affordable Fares scheme, is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle have to offer.”
