North Devon residents hit back at bus fare increase

The government’s decision to raise the single bus fare cap from £2 to £3 has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among North Devon residents, who argue that the hike is unaffordable and unfair.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the fare increase during his pre-budget speech on 28 October 2024, stating the £3 cap would remain in place until the end of 2025. 

The government pledged over £1 billion to invest in buses and claimed the cap would ensure affordable transport. 

However, the response from the community tells a different story.

North Devon MP Ian Roome has launched a petition opposing the fare rise, criticising its disproportionate impact on rural communities. He stated: “This cap increase is unfair, especially for children and families already struggling with the cost of living. It’s unacceptable to see a fare increase that far outstrips inflation.”

He added: “The government must explain how this aligns with their promises to improve accessibility to public transport. Instead of encouraging bus travel, these increases are pricing people out and forcing many back into cars. This is not only unfair but counterproductive for tackling climate change.”

He also stated that under the new cap, single fares have risen by 50 per cent, but return fares in the region have seen even steeper increases. 

He explained that for example, Stagecoach South West has raised the cost of a child’s return ticket on some routes from £2.10 to £5 - a 138 per cent jump.

Local councillor Frank Biederman, who represents Fremington Rural, has expressed his concerns to Devon County Council, emphasising the challenges the fare increases pose for families and lower-income households. 

With this, he asked the council a series of questions. 

He shared feedback from residents on his social media page:

'Frank, our daughter went to see her friend in Braunton yesterday. Her round trip from Bickington to Braunton cost £10. She doesn’t drive and relies on public transport as her main mode of transport. These prices are unsustainable.'

'80% for me cost me more for a single ticket to work now than it cost me for a return ticket last week!'

'Sad isn’t it. My lad’s not entitled to a bus pass for Park School, so it was costing us £4 a day, which will probably now be £6 a day.'

'If the increase is right, then I’ll have to pay £10 a day for my two children to get to school. Completely unsustainable; I’m going to have to drive them and change my work hours.'

'We are going to struggle as Stagecoach South West doesn’t do a child’s weekly rider for attending school, so we have to buy an adult’s weekly one, which has gone from £16 to £22 per week. That is a crazy amount, and the South West should offer a child’s weekly ticket.'”

Frank also commented: “The recent bus fare increases pose a significant challenge for many in our community, who depend on these services for their daily activities.”

Stagecoach South West defended the fare increase, citing rising operational costs and the need to maintain service quality. 

A spokesperson said: “Bus travel remains value for money, and our ticket prices provide an affordable and sustainable option for customers. However, like other sectors, we’ve seen an increase in our operating costs.”

The company advised passengers to consider day or weekly tickets for multiple journeys, stating that these could offer better value under the new cap.

Residents and local leaders argue that the fare hikes undermine the original purpose of the cap; to make public transport accessible and encourage sustainable travel. Ian Roome urged the government and Stagecoach to reconsider their approach, stating:

“The £3 cap is meant to ensure affordable transport, but it is far from affordable for many in North Devon. We need a fairer solution that keeps fares low, improves service reliability, and supports sustainable travel.”