after serious problems with fraud
First has reintroduced its £1 ‘3 Stop Hop’ ticket in Bristol following widespread public requests during the week of fare consultation events in Bristol last month.
Customers who want to hop on the bus for a short distance of no more than three stops will be able to do so within Bristol’s zones 1 and 2 for just £1.
Marc Reddy, a Director for First in the South West and Wales, said: “We reluctantly abolished the ‘3 Stop Hop’ ticket in April 2012 after encountering serious problems with people travelling fraudulently – staying on the bus for more than three stops for their £1 fare. However, it became clear during our consultation events that people are really keen to see it restored. We’ve heard this message and so we’re bringing back the ‘3 Stop Hop’ as a temporary measure until we know the full outcome of our current fare consultation. However, we shall also be taking extra steps to ensure the ticket is not abused.
“The fare consultation is still ongoing, and people have until June 29 to have their say. To date we’ve had around 5,000 responses and we hope this will increase further.
“The data collected will be processed by MVA, the independent transport consultants we have hired. They have also been tasked with coming up with a new proposal as to how the fare structure in and around Bristol can be altered to offer customers greater value for money.”
