Bristol, Bath and the West

Fare Review

Taking into account changes in its operating costs, First in Bristol, Somerset & Avon is revising some bus fares across its network effective as of 26 July 2009.

To help those struggling in light of the recession, the prices of all Adult FirstWeek area tickets have been either held or reduced, which will be welcome news to those commuting to and from work. Bristol's two stop hop ticket - reduced last year - has also been held at 2008 prices (80 pence adult, 60 pence child).

The changes to all other tickets have been kept as small as possible, with a maximum of five pence added to singles, and 10 pence added to the price of returns. The changes to monthly tickets mean that customers will pay between £1.30 and £2.60 a month extra depending on the areas in which they travel.

As part of the recent review, all First6Month tickets have been withdrawn.

The decision to review fares was not taken lightly. Justin Davies, Managing Director, First Bristol, Somerset & Avon explains: "Like many others businesses in the UK, we are not immune from the pressures of the tightening economy and we have a duty, both to our customers and our shareholders, to ensure that we cover our costs and that the business remains sustainable. To that end, fares have to be set at a level that covers both our current and our anticipated costs.

"Moving forward we want to be able to continue investing in our network and the vehicles we operate, bringing in even more super low floor buses to increase accessibility for older people, those in wheelchairs and those travelling with buggies and push chairs.

"We know that no one likes it when prices go up, and we are acutely aware that people are feeling the pinch at the moment, so it was with this in mind that we reduced the price of some tickets, including the popular Bristol FirstWeek Zone 1 and Bristol FirstWeek Zone 2 tickets, and we froze others.

"We still believe that our season ticket products offer good value for money, allowing unlimited travel for as little as £1.73 a day in Bath and Weston-super-Mare and £1.60 a day in central Bristol."

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

Bristol 0845 602 0156
Bath 0845 606 4446
Weston-super-Mare 0845 606 4446
Somerset 0845 602 0156


Notes to Editor
* For more information contact Karen Baxter, PR Manager, First UK Bus (South West and Wales) on 07894 785155 or email: karen.baxter@firstgroup.com