Mayor 'sick' of bus company as child fares raised

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard

South Yorkshire's elected mayor has criticised a bus company for increasing child and student fares just as the new school term starts.

Oliver Coppard revealed First Bus was increasing prices from Sunday and said there had been no warning about the rise.

Speaking on Radio Sheffield, he said he was "sick" of the way the bus company was treating passengers: "Just coming to us and saying, right next week we are raising fares for people when they are budgeting for their families for what they can eat, I don't think that is right."

A spokesperson for First Bus said the decision to increase prices had not been "taken lightly" but admitted it had "fallen short" for not publicising the changes sooner.

The fare increase would be in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham - but Barnsley Council recently introduced subsidised free bus travel for under 18s.

The mayor said a student single would rise 30p from £1.50 to £1.80 and a child day fare would increase by 10p to £3.10.

Mr Coppard is currently going through the process of franchising buses in the county, which will give him control over fares, routes and timetables.

The Labour politician said: "Let me give you a good example of why bus franchising is important.

"First Bus came to us this week and said from the beginning of next month, we're going to raise fares for kids and students by about 10%. They have just dropped that on us, higher fares for young people.

"We have no control over that, they have just decided that's the case but it is going to really affect young people in South Yorkshire.

"I understand private companies sometimes have to raise prices but you have to communicate it effectively, you have to give people the chance to understand what is happening."

During a radio phone-in, he also spoke about Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Council leaders are set to make a decision in early September about whether to release £150m of public money to support the reopening.

Mr Coppard said: "I want DSA to be a thriving regional airport because it's probably the single biggest opportunity we've got for economic growth in one space.

"But I have to protect taxpayers' money and look at the best possible use of that money to create those jobs, growth and opportunities going forward.

"If we're able to take that decision there will be loads of stuff happening, commercial activity on the site, freight and private flights, but a fully operational airport in 2028 is a sensible time frame."

Ste Brito-Coll, Head of Commercial at First Bus South Yorkshire said: "Our student fares have not changed in Sheffield for almost two years and remain competitive with other operators within the area.

"The decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to keeping fares as low as possible while continuing to invest and manage increases in our costs that are affecting bus operators and the wider economy.

"We work closely with our partners and local transport authorities and usually share details of changes with them as far in advance as possible, but recognise this time we fell short.

"We'll be learning from this and will ensure communication is improved."

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