Bus fares increase for fourth time in three years

The costs of riding some Bluestar-run buses increased over the weekend

The manager of a bus operator said the company thought "very carefully" before increasing ticket prices for the fourth time in three years.

Bluestar, which operates in and around Southampton, has increased the price of its all-day adult, child and group tickets, as well as its period tickets, which range from seven day passes to annual fares.

General manager Richard Tyldsley said it was "not a decision we have taken lightly" confirming the decision was made because the cost of running the bus services "had significantly increased".

The cost of an adult dayrider paper ticket, which allows purchasers unlimited journeys in the city, is now £4.50, a 28% increase on the same ticket in 2022.

Children's dayriders have gone up from £3.50 to £3.70, and group tickets from £8.70 to £9, although adult tickets are 20p cheaper at £4.30, if purchased on the app.

The increases came into effect on Sunday.

Other tickets have also increased, with the full list available on the Bluestar website.

"We think very carefully before making changes to ticket prices, and we introduce them only when necessary," said Mr Tyldsley.

"We have kept the rises to an absolute minimum."

He acknowledged the increases could be disappointing for some, and said the company had been working with Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council to improve timetables across the region.

He also said the £3 fare cap for single journeys and the £1 evening fare would remain unchanged, inline with the Department for Transport scheme, funded by UK Government.