Hampshire

Portsmouth and Waterlooville, Fareham and Gosport fare changes from 14 June 2009

Taking into changes in its operating costs, First in Hampshire and Dorset is revising some bus fares across its East Hampshire network effective as of 14 June 2009. As a result the cost of some single and return fares, and some season ticket products, will increase slightly.

The decision to review fares in East Hampshire was not taken lightly. Richard Soper, Managing Director, First Hampshire & Dorset explains: "As an industry, 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.

"We know that nobody likes it when prices go up so we have worked hard to keep increases as small as possible, freezing, at 2008 prices, as many fares as we are able to. Season tickets have been affected by this review, but we still believe that they offer good value for money, allowing unlimited travel in the city as little as £1.16 per day.

"Notably all fares on the busy Cosham to North End and Portsmouth City Centre corridor have been frozen; this means customers using Services 1, 1a, 40 and 41, will see no difference.'

For more information about the changes pop into our Travel Shops located at Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth Hard bus stations or call customer services on: 0870 010 6022.

Journalists wanting more information regarding the fare review should contact: Karen Baxter, PR Manager (South West & Wales), First UK Bus at karen.baxter@firstgroup.com