Students’ Union to campaign against rising bus fares

The price of a return ticket to Leamington Spa on Stagecoach has risen for the second time this term from £2.90 to £3.05 and the price of a single from £2.15 to £2.25.

Students and the Students’ Union were given little warning with only some buses having small signs in the windows. Most found out when buying tickets on the bus, though some drivers are still charging to previous fare.

Stagecoach has not given any reason for this price increase and the regional sector has not been available for comment.

They defended their previous price increase, which was less than three months ago, by citing inflation, rising fuel prices and regulations which required them to hire more staff.

However, they also said that they are only permitted one price increase per year. It is unclear how their most recent move was allowed.

Many students are upset about the fare increase and do not feel it is justified.

“I think it is really unreasonable…we are already paying for unsatisfactory service,” said Cansu Yurkadal, a second year Law student.

The SU have also reacted strongly to the price hike and are planning a “huge” campaign which will be launched next term. Andy Glyde, Governance and Finance Officer, said he was “absolutely livid” about the increase and promised “something very high profile.” The SU had not been able to reach Stagecoach for explanations on the price hike.

“[It will be] a different type of campaign,” said Glyde. While he said he could not disclose details, he did say it will include an online petition aimed at “harness[ing] the student voice” and said there may be “a little bit of direct action.”

He cited the S0.21 sit-in saying that its “spirit…will feed into this.”

Since 2004 the bus prices have risen by sixty-nine per cent. On the other hand student loans have risen only 2.9 per cent in the same time. Bus prices reflect the general increase in the cost of living. “Students are getting poorer,” Glyde said.

He hopes that the campaign will have an impact and said, “there is a good chance we can get something out of it.”

Travel Coventry, who also go through Leamington, have not raised the price of their tickets.

Stagecoach recently published their plan to make their fleet greener. They will spend about £70 million for just over four-hundred buses which will be more environmentally friendly.

Nationwide, there was a four per cent increase of bus passengers in 2008 Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus said in a press release that this is due to their commitment to “helping make people’s pound go further by offering excellent value fares and a range of budget products.”

It seems, however, that most students would not agree with this and many have complained that they have no choice but to pay the higher fares.