More Scottish fare rises in pipeline
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PUBLIC transport users in Scotland could face another substantial fares increase --the third this year. The country's bus companies — all members of the Scottish Bus Group — have made applications to the Scottish Traffic Commissioners for an increase of ten per cent on fares of 42p and over. And the companies are also asking the Commissioners to approve a clause which will mean rises in fares under 40p in the event of future threshold payments. Only five months ago the bus group increased its fares by about 121/2 percent. Early in August, they were again given the go-ahead to up fares by between five and six per .cent. No bus group spokesman wanted to comment on the new farerise application. But Alexander's traffic manager in Aberdeen, Mr Malcolm Stewart, said that, if approved, the rises would effect nearly all routes.
Giving an example of a proposed increase, he said: "At present the single fare on the Aberdeen to London service is £5 and the return £10. The increase would mean an additional 50p and LI on to the existing fares." The bus group is also requesting that return fares be withdrawn where there is an existing single fare and want the cost of school tickets to be increased.
It is not yet known when the Traffic Commissioners will meet to discuss the application.