FirstBus has closed a loophole that allowed Bristolians to stockpile single journey bus tickets before the bus fare cap rises at the start of next year. In October, the price of a single journey was expected to increase to a maximum of £3 in changes to the bus fare cap announced in the autumn Budget.
At the time, FirstBus West of England said that “no decisions” had been made on any potential price rises but that the company favours a “staggered approach” to any change. However, it was suggested that the price would increase in 2025 as the new bus fare cap comes into force.
It led many people, including Bristol Live’s very own Tristan Cork, to stockpile single journey tickets ahead of the potential price rise. At the time, the tickets could be redeemed a year in advance.
However, the ‘Bristol Flat Fare Single Adult’ now has a new description which means that single journey tickets which are bought can no longer be used past December 31. It also added that the ticket must be redeemed within 30 days, a change from the year-long period originally given to redeem the journey.
Tickets which had already been purchased can still be redeemed up to a year after purchase. However, the changing of the ticket description led customers to suggest that the £2 price of single journeys in Bristol and the wider West of England region would be increasing come January 1.
Bristol Live approached FirstBus seeking clarification on what this would mean in terms of price and whether the new restrictions will be applied to other tickets. At the time of writing, the new description was only added to the ‘Bristol Flat Fare Single Adult’ ticket.
Rob Pymm, Commercial Director for FirstBus West of England said: “We are currently working with the Department for Transport to understand the final details of the new £3 fare cap scheme and discussing the impact with the Combined Authority and Local Authorities. We will inform customers and stakeholders of any changes to our fares in due course.”
Bristol City Council bosses said that it is unlikely that Bristolians will have to pay the full £3 in January. Cllr Ed Plowden said that FirstBus indicated that it will not charge the maximum amount when the cap is lifted.
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