The new acting director of bus company National Express Dundee has admitted people are “unhappy” with the rise in fares the firm announced last week.
However, Simon Mathieson says he “will be working very hard for the people of Dundee to ensure that they receive a brilliant bus service.”
National Express is raising the price of Daysaver and travel cards and most adult and all child fares for a journey of one to four-plus stages are going up, too. The Eveningsaver is scrapped.
Any adult travelling four or more stages a long, cross-city trip will see their journey cost £2 compared to the old price of £1.45. This is an increase of 38%.
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson was among the city politicians who criticised the increases and he wrote to Mr Mathieson to outline his concerns. He has received a response which seeks to explain the fare rises.
Mr Mathieson said, “In any fares increase there are some fares that will increase more than others. The four-plus stages fare is going to apply to a small percentage of journeys that are made.
“I would encourage people to look at switching to our range of day tickets or travelcards that will provide better value.
“The monthly direct debit fare did not increase in 2009 as an incentive for passengers to switch to this form of payment but we are not able to freeze this price this time around.
“Given the cost increases we have faced in 2010 and will face in 2011, such as fuel and insurance, we have had to increase prices. However, the travelcard products do still offer great value.”SimplifyMr Mathieson said the Eveningsaver was being used by only one passenger in 200 and sales were falling. The company had decided to simplify the ticket range by just offering the Daysaver.
He has promised to look at any specific journeys Mr Macpherson feels are being treated unfairly.
Mr Macpherson said he appreciated the prompt response but he still wanted to know the effect of the four-plus stages increase on services in the West End. He has asked for a meeting with National Express as he believes the 55p rise is “very hefty in relation to inflation.”
Meanwhile, Strathtay Scottish has announced that it is raising its fares with a 5p increase on any single ticket under £2 and 10p for any ticket over £2. Its Dayrider and Megarider tickets remain unchanged.
A spokeswoman said, “We are freezing prices on our daily, weekly, monthly and annual tickets which will benefit our regular passengers who tend to travel using these tickets.
“More infrequent users of our services, who may travel on an adult single fare, will see a revision in prices from January 10.”
Sample fares following the increase include Broughty Ferry to city centre and city centre to Ninewells, both £1.35. Perth to Dundee will be £2.70 and Arbroath to Dundee £3.45.