ABERDEEN’S largest bus operator is to increase the price of a number of its tickets due to cost pressures.
First Bus is set to adjust the cost of selected fares for its Aberdeen services, including return tickets, flexi single tickets and weekly tickets from September 22.
The changes mean the “Adult Two Single Trips” in 24 hours ticket will move from £4.70 to £4.90, and the Adult FirstWeek ticket will change from £21 to £24.
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The overhaul of ticketing options in Aberdeen will also see changes to bundle ticket options, FirstUnlimited and selected fares within the product range which were not increased in April as part of the operator’s annual review.
Commercial director for First Bus Scotland Graeme Macfarlan said the operator is “not immune to the external challenges and rising costs across the board” but that it has “tried to absorb inflationary rises”.
“Unfortunately, this has reached a level where it is unsustainable and we’re regrettably having to implement a change to certain fares in Aberdeen,” he said.
Macfarlan continued: ““Like others across the sector, we’re facing significant rising costs across our operations, and fare increases reflect that. Nonetheless, we have strived to keep increases to a minimum. We have a diverse range of tickets available to customers meaning there is a product to suit everyone’s travel needs.
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“Bus travel in Aberdeen continues to offer fantastic value for money for customers with the average cost per trip made on First Bus in the city £1.85. With this being below £2 per trip, it showcases the benefits customers can receive by choosing bus.
“Through continuing investment in new electric buses and on-board technology, as well as engaging closely with local businesses, we’re making great efforts to make it an even more comfortable and environmentally friendly mode of transport that benefits the whole city.
"We’re also continuing to reinvest all savings made following the introduction of bus priority measures in the city centre to benefit the customer with initiatives such as the free weekend travel on our services in Aberdeen in January this year.”
Click HERE to find out more details on all First Bus ticket prices.
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