Stagecoach Highland bus fares set to increase by 12 per cent for passengers in the Highlands from April
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BUS users in the Highlands will see fares on they journeys rise by an average of 12 per cent from Sunday, April 2.
Stagecoach Highlands has confirmed changes to bus fares as the emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government will be withdrawn from March 31.
Increased operating costs and bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level were also said to be factors leading to the future price increase on all services operated by Stagecoach Highlands.
David Beaton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Highlands said, “With operating costs continuing to rise, we will be making changes to our fares from 2nd April 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.”
The emergency funding had already been reduced over the past 12 months.
In February, Stagecoach Highlands introduced a fully-electric bus fleet on the Inverness city network, the first of its kind in the UK.
However, services are still being impacted by the ongoing lack of drivers.
The company encourages users to find the best value fares using the app Stagecoach Bus or their website at stagecoachbus.com/tickets.
A spokesperson added: "Priorities and focus will remain on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps toward achieving its vision for decarbonisation. All of this is vital to support the country's green recovery and meet net-zero ambitions, while supporting the policies set out by the Scottish Government and Local Authority Stakeholders.
"With bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level, it is vital that as a commercial bus operator, Stagecoach make decisions that will future-proof the viability of its network for their customers and colleagues."
