MPs to meet bus company over fare increases

The bus company said the previous pricing structure was no longer commercially viable

MPs in Devon are set to meet bus company representatives to discuss its rising fares.

It comes after parents of children who use its services to get to school in north Devon have said prices had become more expensive.

In July bus company Stagecoach announced fare changes which some parents said were more than £100 extra per month.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said the reason for the increase was because the previous pricing structure was no longer commercially viable.

Kay Corfe from Bideford said the changes will cost her £110 extra per month.

"I see myself to be really quite good at budgeting, we are very careful with our money," she said.

"However it is a constant worry if I’m going to have enough to pay the bills and feed us every month."

Two Conservative MPs - Rebecca Smith for South West Devon and Geoffrey Cox for Torridge and Tavistock - will meet with Stagecoach's managing director on Monday.

Stagecoach said while the previous pricing structure was no longer commercially viable, the changes ensure the service remains sustainable while giving families more choice.