Preston Bus set to increase fares from end of April

A Preston Bus service in Tithebarne Street Pic: Ian Simpson

Preston bus is set to increase fares from Sunday April 28, 2024.

A statement issued on the Preston Bus website says they are “sorry to have to increase [their] fares” and they are committed to keeping fares low.

The statement said: “There will be revisions to some Preston Bus fares from Sunday 28 April 2024. We are always sorry to have to increase our fares, and we are committed to keeping fares as low as possible.

“However, like everything, the cost of running buses is continuing to rise sharply.”

They then went on to say that adult single bus journeys will continue to cost no more than £2 until the end of the year. This is part of the Government’s Help for Households scheme.

As part of the Lancashire BSIP, all single journeys after 7pm are capped at £1.

Adult Single fares under £2 will rise to £2 while an under 19 will also cost the same.

Special Value Return Tickets will be £3.70 and an Adult EasiDay will cost £5.30.

An Adult Easi 5 Day is £21.20 and a 10 Day will be £37.10.

Under 19 EasiDay is £4.20, a family EasiDay is £8,50 and an Aduly EasiWeek is £23.80.

Under 19 EasiWeek will cost you £19 while an Adult Easi 28 Day will be £79.50 and an under 19 Easi 28 Day costs £63.50.

A spokeperson from Rotala, the company behind Preston Bus, said: “We have discussed the situation we are faced internally for some time to try and find a solution other than a fare increase to reflect the costs of operating the services.

“Unfortunately, no alternative funding streams have been identified which has led us to this situation. We are committed to providing high quality, reliable bus services for the whole community.

“The increase in fares will allow us to continue operating these services and means we may not have to reduce services within the region.”

The price rises come as Preston Bus is consulting on removing a number of evening services from four bus routes in the city.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.