Stagecoach to raise fares across North east area

The company has put the increase down to rising operating costs.

Douglas Robertson, managing director of Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We will be making changes to our fares from April 2 to prioritise investment in our people, our fleet, and our customers. We understand the cost-of-living pressures our customers face, and we realise that fare increases are not welcome. However, we strongly believe our fares still represent good value for money.”

Stagecoach has also encountered challenges including the Covid 19 pandemic, industry-wide recruitment shortages. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted businesses and there have been significant increases to wages, fuel and engineering parts.

The company has said that its priorities and focus will remain on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps toward achieving its vision for decarbonisation.

It also said that with bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level, it is vital that as a commercial bus operator, Stagecoach makes decisions that will future-proof the viability of its network.

The emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government to ensure a level of bus service for people to access local amenities, which would not otherwise have been commercially sustainable, has been reduced over the past 12 months and from March 31 will be withdrawn entirely.

To find the best value fare, download the Stagecoach Bus app or visit stagecoachbus.com/tickets. Tickets include single, return, day travel, fully flexible bundles, and weekly and longer-term options depending on your travel habits.