SOLIHULL West and Shirley MP has slammed the 8.6 per cent rise in bus fares across the region.
Transport for West Midlands (TFWM) which oversees the running of public transport in the West Midlands, said the hike is a result of rising costs faced by bus operators.
The increases, which are set to come into force on June 15, will see the four-week fare, used by those who commute on a daily basis, go up from £64 to £70 and the monthly direct debit fare rise from £59 to £64.
The cost of the day ticket will also increase by 40p to £5.20.
The fare rise follows an independent review, instigated by bus operators, which recommended the 8.6 per cent increase, and which Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) was required to introduce.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, said: “At a time when families across the West Midlands are grappling with the cost of living, an 8.6% hike in bus fares is the last thing they need.
“The Mayor made a clear promise to keep fares down, and he’s broken it. For many in Solihull and Shirley, reliable and affordable public transport is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
“Leadership means making tough decisions to protect people from rising costs, not passing them on. The Mayor must explain why he’s failed to stand up for local commuters.”
The rise comes two months after the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) agreed to continue the £50m a year funding to support struggling operators and prevent further reductions in bus services.
Matt Lewis, commercial director – bus and operations, TfWM, said: “It is a difficult time for people and money is tight, so we have worked hard with our bus operators to keep these increases to an absolute minimum and keep our bus services on the road. This includes continuing the £50million subsidy this year.
“As a result, our season tickets, for regular bus users, remain great value and among the lowest in the country despite this increase.
“And longer term we are working on the plan to take public control of the network to make sure our bus services better meet the needs of our people. This includes the ability to set all service routes, timetables and fares, which we are not currently able to do.”
For more visit www.tfwm.org.uk/bus-fares.
