Bus Fare Rises Spark Fresh Debate Over Control

Ten pence increase on some routes prompts concern from transport users

Transcript

00:00Some passengers across the northeast are facing higher bus fares after Arriva Northeast raised

00:07the price of an adult single ticket in parts of the region. In Tynanwea and Northumberland

00:13most adult single fares have increased by 10 pence. The company says the change took effect

00:19on Sunday and applies to its local services. The company says the change took effect on Sunday

00:26the 18th of January and applies to its local services. Arriva says it's trying to balance

00:33affordability with rising running costs including fuel, maintenance and staffing. The operator also

00:40says most of its fares remain below the government's national three pound cap on single journeys. In

00:45addition the Northeast Combined Authority has discounted that cap further to £2.50 across

00:52Northumberland, Tynanwea and County Durham. The increases have been criticised by the Northeast

00:58Public Transport Users Group known as NEPTUG. The group argues that even small increases can make a

01:04real difference to people on low incomes or those who rely on buses every day to get to work or

01:09education. NEPTUG says the changes strengthen the case for bringing buses under public control,

01:15a policy being developed by regional leaders and believes that public ownership would help

01:20protect passengers. Arriva rejects claims that the changes are about excessive profits.