Cardiff Bus has announced an increase in fares across its network starting from March 30 due to various “cost pressures” impacting the company. The decision comes amidst criticism from local councillors in Cardiff about the state of public transport in the city, with some labelling it as “embarrassing” and “not fit for purpose”. Councillor Joel Williams expressed his disappointment with the bus services, highlighting the challenges faced by Cardiff residents.
According to Cardiff Bus, the fare adjustments are necessary to address rising costs and ensure the sustainability of their services. The company aims to offer affordable fares that match the extensive network of routes operating throughout the week. Despite efforts to minimize cost increases, factors such as changes to National Employer Contributions have influenced the decision to revise ticket prices across the network.
Passengers can still find cost-effective options on the Cardiff Bus app, including the school run ticket for £6.50 in Cardiff, Penarth, and Llandough, valid during school days from 7 am to 7 pm. The new fare prices for local routes in these areas have seen adjustments, with adult and child single fares, day tickets, weekly passes, and monthly tickets reflecting incremental rises to cover operational expenses.
Similarly, fare adjustments have been implemented for travel within Barry, Dinas Powys, Sully, and between these areas, with corresponding increases for adult and child single fares, day tickets, weekly passes, and monthly tickets. The Full Network fare prices have also been revised, affecting adult and child single fares, day tickets, day to go plus tickets, weekly passes, and monthly tickets.
Exclusive app tickets, such as the Easy 3 bundle and 10 single trip tickets, have seen price adjustments in line with the overall fare changes. Family and group tickets for specific areas have also been updated, with varying price increases depending on the route and ticket type. Cardiff Bus encourages passengers to explore available options on their app to find the best deal for their journeys.
The fare adjustments by Cardiff Bus come at a time when transport services are under scrutiny for their affordability and accessibility. As the company navigates challenges posed by rising costs, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest fare prices and ticket offerings to make informed decisions about their travel arrangements. Cardiff Bus aims to maintain a balance between service affordability and operational sustainability amidst the evolving landscape of public transport.