First Bus to adjust selected fares in Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s largest bus operator will change a number of tickets due to inflationary cost pressures
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 changes will mean the Adult 2 Single Trips in 24hrs will move from £4.70 to £4.90, and the Adult FirstWeek ticket will change from £21.00 to £24.00.
The overhaul of First Bus’ ticketing options in Aberdeen, effective from Sunday 22nd September, 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.
“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. We’re also continuing to reinvest all savings made following the introduction of bus priority measures in the city centre to benefit the customer with initiatives such as the free weekend travel on our services in Aberdeen in January this year.”
For full details on all First Bus ticket prices, please visit firstbus.co.uk/aberdeen
Notes to editors
For further information please contact Craig Dennett on 07866 818456 or email: craig.dennett@firstbus.co.uk
Notes to Editors
About First Bus
First Bus is one of the UK’s largest bus operators. Making journeys easier for our customers, we were the first national bus operator to accept contactless card payments across all of our services and our First Bus App is voted ‘best in class’ amongst UK bus operators. Our most recent investments are in new, state-of-the-art buses across our key networks.
We work proactively with our local authority partners, making a positive impact on air quality, tackling congestion and improving customer experience. We are focused on First Bus becoming a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future and are committed to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. We also operate the Aircoach network in Ireland.
First Bus is a division of FirstGroup.
First Bus is an equal opportunity employer.
First Bus is an excellent place to work with opportunities for a rewarding career.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse experiences and attitudes help us better understand the needs of our customers.
For more information on First Bus: news-scot.firstbus.co.uk