First, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, is launching a complete overhaul of fares and tickets for its Southampton services, which will result in more than 60 per cent of its customers seeing either a reduction or no change in the cost of their journeys.
From Saturday 8 February, there will only be six standard ticket prices for new fare zones, four of which are within the city area, which will be charged in multiples of 50p. All adult return fares will now cost only £1 more than corresponding single fare, the cheapest single fare being £1 on one of First’s busiest routes, Service 2 from Millbrook to Shirley. The other significant change is on Service 11 to Weston where the single fare will go down from £2.35 to £2.
Child single fares will be 50p less than their adult equivalent fares. Child returns will be 50p more than for a single. There will be no changes to the price of day fares or period tickets.
Commenting on the changes, Chrissie Bainbridge, General Manager for First Hampshire, said: “The fares system in Southampton had become increasingly complex and difficult for existing and potential customers to understand. Our priority is always with our customers so introducing simpler fares will result in less hassle as the only coins they need for their journeys are multiples of 50p and £1. This in turn will speed up journeys as neither they nor our drivers will have to worry about finding several different coins for their fares.”
She continued: “Nearly 63 per cent of our customers will see either a reduction or no change to their fares. There will be increases on some services, but with return fares only £1 more than single fares, bus travel in Southampton is now even better value for money. All season ticket prices also remain the same and offer great value for our frequent travellers.”
For more information about the fare restructuring, visit the website, www.firstgroup.com/hampshire or follow First Hampshire on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/FirstHampshire or on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/FirstHampshire.