MP takes on Stagecoach amid fears schoolchildren bus fares could be almost doubled

North Devon’s MP has launched a petition against new Stagecoach bus fares which he says have increased the cost of travelling to school by more than 80% for some local children.

Ian Roome is claiming Stagecoach South West has brought in ‘stealth price increase’ after it removed child return fares on several local bus routes.

READ NEXT: Fake Stagecoach ticket giveaway targeting Devon passengers sparks scam alert

He said the cost of a journey to school and back on some routes had gone up by more than 80%. For example, the 155 Landkey to South Molton bus was previously £3.20 for child return, but now two singles will cost £6, an 88% increase. Likewise, the 155 Landkey to Barnstaple was previously £2 child return but will now cost £2.80 (above 40%) and the 75 Bideford to Torrington was £3.20, now up to £5.80 or 81%.

But the bus company has responded and said from the new autumn school term it will be introducing “a range of new tickets for children to ensure we continue to offer affordable and flexible options for both school and leisure travel”.

Stagecoach is bring in a South West zone ticket which replaces several local megarider zones, with lower prices for South West zone tickets, including a reduced £10 day ticket, plus reductions on seven day and 28 day options.

But it is withdrawing ‘some legacy tickets’, such as NiteRider, paper Flexi Rider, smart cards and certain college-specific fares.

The £2 single fare will increase to £2.20.

Mr Roome has said there is growing concern from residents, parents, and commuters about the sudden removal of the Child Return ticket on school routes, the Family Day Rider and the North Devon Rider ticket.

In January, when the Government increased the bus fare cap to £3 and Stagecoach SW increased fares across North Devon, he launched a petition which reached more than 1,000 signatures and he says resulted in Stagecoach lowering the child’s return fares on the 155 route to South Molton Community College.

He said: “This shows public pressure can work and now, once again, we need to come together to demand fairer fares.”

“It is shocking that people across North Devon are now seeing significant increases, in some cases more than 80%. Affordable transport is so important in rural areas like North Devon, especially for children who rely on it to get to school and access education.

“We should not be pricing our children off their school bus. We need a bus system that is fair, affordable and accessible – and I’m committed to fighting for that.”

READ NEXT: North Devon night bus returns for Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton and Ilfracombe

However, in a statement provided to the North Devon Gazette, stagecoach said: “As part of the changes to our fares and ticket structure introduced on July 20, we have simplified our fare zones and are encouraging customers to use the Stagecoach app to plan journeys, track buses in real time, and purchase tickets more easily.

“We understand that school travel is a vital part of our network, particularly in areas like North Devon where students rely on public buses to get to and from school.

“From the start of the new academic year, we will be introducing a range of new tickets for children to ensure we continue to offer affordable and flexible options for both school and leisure travel.

“Details of these new ticket options, along with a guide to the best value tickets for common journeys, will be announced in the coming days.

“While some fare increases have been necessary as part of the wider changes, we’re confident that the new ticket range will be well received and will continue to provide a cost-effective alternative to other modes of transport for families and young people.”

Mr Roome’s petition can be found at https://www.northdevonlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/halt-bus-fare-increases-north-devon