Government blamed for bus fare rise

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BUS fares will rise by another five per cent across Warwickshire from next week as operators lay blame on the government.

Adult fares will rise by between 5p and 30p, with day rider tickets in Rugby borough rising 20p to £4.40.

A seven-day megarider ticket also rises 60p to £13.50, while a dayrider gold rises 40p to £7.90, or £4 on Sundays.

Stagecoach Midlands blamed the rises on the government's 20 per cent cut in Bus Service Operators Grant from April 1, combined with the planned 3p fuel duty rise.

Managing director Steve Burd, said: "These damaging government cuts and tax hike, combined with rising costs, are having a direct impact on bus fares and services

"We share the frustration of our passengers, some of whom are on low incomes. Along with businesses, they are already being squeezed by higher bills and energy prices.

"We have had to take some very tough decisions, but we have worked hard to keep fares down for those who rely on the bus the most.”

Visit www.stagecoachbus.com for further information on fares and services.

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