First Bus is set to adjust the cost of selected fares for its Aberdeen services, including its return tickets, flexi single tickets and weekly tickets, from Sunday 22nd September.
Increasing inflationary pressures related to rising fuel, energy, parts, and operational costs – similar to those being faced by many transport operators - have meant it was no longer feasible to keep fares at their previous level.
The overhaul of First Bus ticketing options in Aberdeen will also see changes to bundle ticket options, FirstUnlimited and selected fares within the product range that were not increased in April as part of the operator’s annual review.
First Bus continues to invest heavily in its Aberdeen network, driving the city forward in its green ambitions through innovation in electric buses and the electrification of its depot in the city.
The planned updates to its ticketing structure are essential in allowing First Bus to continue to deliver and grow services throughout the city.
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “Like all transport operators, we’re not immune to the external challenges and rising costs across the board but have tried to absorb inflationary rises we were experiencing as far as possible to benefit our customers. Unfortunately, this has reached a level where it is unsustainable and we’re regrettably having to implement a change to certain fares in Aberdeen.
“Like others across the sector, we’re facing significant rising costs across our operations, and fare increases reflect that. Nonetheless, we have strived to keep increases to a minimum. We have a diverse range of tickets available to customers meaning there is a product to suit everyone’s travel needs.
“Bus travel in Aberdeen continues to offer fantastic value for money for customers with the average cost per trip made on First Bus in the city £1.85. With this being below £2 per trip, it showcases the benefits customers can receive by choosing bus.
"Across our network, we’ve had to introduce additional operating mileage to support our bus network while the Union Street public realm works continue to take shape. Further mileage investment will also be delivered from November and over the festive period to support route diversions that will accommodate the Christmas markets on Broad Street and bring more people into the city centre to enjoy the festivities.
"The role that the city centre bus priority measures play in helping us deliver this mileage investment cannot be understated and it’s therefore crucial that they continue to play their part in helping us to deliver fast and efficient journeys that will help to reduce congestion and encourage sustainable travel across the city.
"The resource savings already being delivered by the bus priority measures have allowed us to offer free weekends in January and offer other ticket reductions to encourage more people to travel into the city centre. More recently, these savings were also reinvested in the form of additional fleet to operate school journeys previously funded by the local authority at our own risk.
"We’re going beyond the bus through direct engagement with local businesses, supporting them in their drive to increase city centre footfall. We’re currently giving them the opportunity to advertise their businesses and products to our customers free of charge. Businesses already signed up to our support packages include CUP, Attic Clothing and Kenny’s Music, with more planning to sign up as we continue with that process. We’re committed to working alongside local businesses to promote Aberdeen City Centre as a key destination for work, retail and leisure.
“Through continuing investment in new electric buses and on-board technology, as well as engaging closely with local businesses, we’re making great efforts to make it an even more comfortable and environmentally friendly mode of transport that benefits the whole city.”