Bristol, Bath and the West

Fare Review in Bristol, Somerset and Avon

Owing to the increased operating costs faced by the company principally around fuel, First Bristol, Somerset and Avon is reluctantly increasing some bus fares across the network effective as of 31 August 2008.

This decision was not taken lightly. First Bristol, Somerset and Avon held back on reviewing fares for as long as possible, making efficiency savings elsewhere to cut expenditure. The increasing cost of fuel however, in addition to other operating costs - such as wages, pensions and insurance - has meant that the company has no choice but to act now.

Firsts Managing Director in Bristol, Somerset and Avon, Justin Davies explains: "We are all too aware that fuel prices have been steadily creeping up since the start of the year. They are now significantly higher than they were in January and they have more than quadrupled since 2002.

"We know that nobody likes it when prices go up, but we have tried to keep increases as small as possible. On average, fares in the network have risen by six percent.

"To try and help customers deal with cost increases, First has extended its FuelBuster ticket promotion which allows people to fix the price of their bus travel (at a heavily discounted level) for a period of six months " see details of savings below. This ticket will now be available to buy until 31 August.

"In addition to this, we have cut the price of the FirstTen ticket in Bristol, from £25 to £21, and we are reducing the price of the short hop ticket, which means customers travelling two stops or less in Bristol will now pay a flat fare of 80p (adults) or 60p (children) regardless of where they are in the network. This represents a discount of 33 percent for adult fares, 29 percent for child fares " on pre-fare-review prices.

"And finally, in Bath following customer demand, a new child FirstWeek ticket has been introduced, meaning children can now travel around the city for seven days for just £13.20.'

For more information about the changes, log onto the website, www.firstgroup.com/ukbus, pop into one of our Travel Shops, or call customer services on:

In Bath or Weston: 0845 606 4446
In Bridgwater: 01278 434 574
In Bristol: 0845 602 0156
In Taunton / Yeovil: 01823 272 033



Notes

The FuelBuster ticket, which allows unlimited travel across the network for a period of six months, offers customers a saving of 16% on pre-fare-increase season ticket prices, and a 28% saving on post-fare-increase prices. This ticket is available for a limited time only (offer ends 31 August 2008). See specific price information below:

Ticket Type Bristol Zone 1 FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around central Bristol (covers Horfield in the North, Ashton Vale in the south
Current Price £299
After fare increase £315
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £285

Ticket Type Bristol Zone 2 FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around outer Bristol, covers Long Ashton " Keynsham, St George " Downend, Avonmouth " Bradley Stoke.
Current Price N/A
After fare increase £321
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £285

Ticket Type Bristol Zone 1 & 2 FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around central and outer Bristol
Current Price £405
After fare increase £427
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £380

Ticket Type Bristol Zone 1, 2 & 3 FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around central and outer Bristol plus parts of North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Current Price £590
After fare increase £623
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £500

Ticket Type Avon Plus FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around [where]
Current Price £750
After fare increase £806
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £630

Ticket Type Bath City FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around Bath
Current Price £312
After fare increase £335
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £285

Ticket Type Somerset & Dorset FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around Somerset and Dorset (Dorset bus services operate in / out of Yeovil bus station)
Current Price £593
After fare increase £637
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £500

Ticket Type Weston FirstSixMonth
Covers Six months unlimited travel in / around Weston Super Mare
Current Price £310
After fare increase £333
Special Offer Price via FuelBuster Available until 31 August £260


Journalists with press enquiries related to the fare review, should contact Karen Baxter, PR Manager (South West and Wales), First UK Bus on 07894 785155 / Karen.Baxter@firstgroup.com or Melissa Warren on 0117 373 6466 / Melissa.warren@firstgroup.com