Birmingham’s bus fare rise hike is higher than London and Manchester. NX West Midlands, who run most bus services in Birmingham, confirmed that single fares will go up by 90p making it £2.90 per journey from tomorrow, Sunday, January 5.
It will means the price will rise by 45 per cent. In comparison around the country, single bus fares in London with Transport for London are set to remain at £1.75 and those in Greater Manchester will stay at £2.
NX West Midlands said: “From Sunday 5th January National Express West Midlands adult single bus fare will be £2.90, which is cheaper than the Government’s £3 single fare cap scheme. All of our other bus fares remain the same, providing a range of great value tickets and passes.”
READ MORE: Redditch drug dealer jailed after M6 police chase
But Liberal Democrat Leader for Birmingham, councillor Roger Harmer said: “Yet again, Birmingham residents are getting the rough end of the stick under a Labour. Government and a Labour controlled council.
“Nationally Labour have brought us the winter fuel payment cancellation and they have maintained the two-child benefit cap. Locally they have brought financial mismanagement on an unprecedented scale with reduced services and council tax up by 21 per cent over two years.
“Now, residents are facing a 45 per cent increase to a single bus fare. Bus use in this region is already in decline. This increase in bus charges will further discourage people from taking the bus which could lead to our roads becoming even more congested.”
NX West Midlands Q&A on changes:
Will the other fares be changing?There are no other fare changes happening on January 5, 2025.
Will all single tickets, including the Outer Zones and Outer Zones – Rugby tickets, also be £2.90?Yes, there will be no difference between the cost of a normal single, Outer Zones single and an Outer Zones – Rugby single ticket
Is there a change to the child single tickets?No, there is no change to the child single tickets
Will the £1.50 pre-9.30am ticket for concessionary card holders stay the same price?Yes, there is no change to the £1.50 pre-9.30am ticket for concessionary pass holders
Why is the price increasing to £2.90 when other areas have a different single fare?We have taken part in the government’s £2 single fare cap scheme since it was introduced in January 2023. From January 1, 2025 the government’s single fare cap scheme will increase to £3 and some local areas have decided to charge a different price for single tickets