Stagecoach confirms new fares for passengers in East Scotland

Fares pay for the day-to-day running of services, continued investment in new buses, and other customer improvements.

Stagecoach East Scotland has confirmed changes to bus fares from Sunday 2^nd April.

As a large employer in Scotland, Stagecoach is committed to developing and contributing to communities' economic and social well-being within its networks by developing an inclusive and accessible bus service that represents value for money.

Douglas Robertson, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland said, “With operating costs continuing to rise, we will be making changes to our fares from 2^nd April to prioritise investment in our people, our fleet, and our customers.

“We understand the cost-of-living pressures our customers face, and we realise that fare increases are not welcome. However, we strongly believe our fares still represent good value for money.”

Stagecoach has encountered several challenges including the global Covid 19 pandemic, industry-wide recruitment shortages, and rising costs. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted businesses, and there have been significant increases to its three largest costs – wages, fuel, and engineering parts.

Priorities and focus will remain on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps toward achieving its vision for decarbonisation. All of this is vital to support the country's green recovery and meet net-zero ambitions, while supporting the policies set out by the Scottish Government and Local Authority Stakeholders.

With bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level, it is vital that as a commercial bus operator, Stagecoach make decisions that will future-proof the viability of its network for their customers and colleagues.

The emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government to ensure a level of bus service for people to access local amenities, which would not otherwise have been commercially sustainable, has been reduced over the past 12 months and from 31^st March 2023 will be withdrawn altogether.

As a result of this change, from Sunday 2^nd April 2023, all fares will increase by an average of 15% across all bus services operated by Stagecoach East Scotland.

To find the best value fare, please download the Stagecoach Bus app or visit stagecoachbus.com/tickets. Tickets include single, return, day travel, fully flexible bundles, and weekly and longer-term options depending on your travel habits.