New bus ticketing options over more flexibility

First West Lothian has introduced a new range of ticketing options, offering customers greater flexibility and value when they travel by bus.

The ticketing updates have been designed to reflect today’s postpandemic travel needs, following a detailed analysis of passenger and purchasing data.

As a result, First West Lothian expects the new ticket options will help many customers save money.

The range of new tickets will enable customers to travel flexibly, over a number of days, taking journeys that suit their new work, travel, or caring patterns.

Among the new, better value fares are Mobile tickets which offer‘3-in-7’ (from £8.30 student, £10 adult) and ‘10-in-28’(from £26.50 student, £33 adult) journey options across First West Lothian’s zones.

Available on the First Bus App, these tickets mean customers can spread a set number of journeys across seven and 28-day validity periods, enabling them to choose the appropriate ticket best suited to them and providing greater flexibility and value for money.

First West Lothian will also continue to encourage customers to get the fairest fares, alongside its participation in the Scottish Government’s free travel scheme for Under-22s.

The overhaul will not affect Adult Zonal bus tickets, which have been frozen at their 2019 rates.

However, some existing fares will increase by an average of 5.7 per cent.

With the new flexible journey options suiting the swift rise of hybrid working and the end of the traditional five-day commute, locals are being offered journeys that are more cost-effective compared to previous prices.

Within the changes coming into effect, no fares in the area will increase by more than the current CPI inflation rate of seven per cent.

Duncan Cameron, managing director of First Bus Scotland said:“The new pricing creates a simpler, fairer and more flexible choice of tickets.

“So whether you only travel on weekends, or are a‘new normal’ commuter, our new tickets options reflect today’s real-world travel.

“These changes are essential to allow us to continue to operate the highest level of service possible for our customers.

“We have worked hard to keep any fare increases to a minimum – ensuring that no increase surpasses Consumer Price Inflation – and continue to offer customers the cheapest fares via the First Bus App.

“There’s never been a better time to make bus travel part of your every day routine and we hope that with these changes, we’ll see more people in West Lothian choose bus over car as their preferred mode of travel in the region, benefitting both the environment and their pockets.”

For more go to firstscotlandeast.com/ fares