BUS PASSENGERS HIT OUT AT FARE HIKE

First says ‘increasing costs’ to blame

TRANSPORT giant First Potteries has increased its bus fares for the first time in two years.

The cost of 32 different types of tickets has gone up – including an adult return rising from £3 to £4.50 and a Potteries adult day ticket increasing from £5 to £5.20.

But single fares have been frozen – and three-month tickets have been reduced.

First Potteries has defended its latest fares hike – which saw new prices introduced yesterday.

Operations director Rob Hughes said: “It has been two years since we revised our fares and we need to realign them to how people are now travelling which is why we are introducing a new ‘Any 3 Day Flexible ticket’ that we believe will become really popular with people who either work part-time or will be sharing their working week between their workplace and home.

“This ticket will be available exclusively on the First Bus app.

“Our single journey tickets are still the most popular so these will not change in price.

“However, some other tickets within the range we offer will see a small increase to coincide with the ever-increasing costs we are experiencing within our business.”

Passengers at Hanley Bus Station have slammed the decision.

Liam Carbin catches the bus from Abbey Hulton to Hanley a number of times a week.

The 28-year-old said: “It is a big hike for me, especially if I want to go somewhere else in the city as I have to take more than one bus.”

Patrick Bonsu, aged 55, of Fenton, said: “It is quite a lot for it to go up. It is one price and is too steep. For a short return from Fenton to Hanley I should have a cheaper price than someone travelling from Leek or Biddulph.”

John Poole, aged 69, of Burslem, said: “Instead of First it should be called Worst. I can’t get to Newcastle from Burslem or Tunstall on a Sunday as there is no service there any more.

“It is £5 from Burslem to Hanley in a taxi so it is cheaper for a small group than on the bus.”