Stagecoach to put its prices up across Lincolnshire

BUS passengers in Gainsborough will be dealt a further blow from Monday 2nd April as Stagecoach increases its Lincolnshire ticket prices by 5.5 per cent.

The company says it has been forced to push prices up across the board after a hike in Government fuel tax.

In Gainsborough a Dayrider ticket is set to increase 8 per cent from £2.30 to £2.50. A Gainsborough Megarider ticket will go up by 30p from £6.20 to £6.50.

The company said the Government’s 20 per cent cut in Bus Operators Grant from 1st April plus the planned 3p fuel duty rise would increase fuel tax on its passengers by 74 per cent.

It said over £1.4 m would be ‘sucked’ from the East Midlands bus network.

In contrast, trains pay virtually no tax on their fuel and planes pay none at all.

Stagecoach East Midlands managing director Gary Nolan said they had tried to keep down the cost of bus travel.

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