Local MP Alex Sobel and Councillors from Leeds North West have added their voices to those of Leeds residents who are angry about the increase in fares.
First Bus have raised all onboard fares. A FirstDay will now cost £4.50 (up from £4.30), a medium length journey will cost £2.50 (up from £2.30) and, most staggeringly, a single journey of approximately four stops will now cost £1.60, up from £1.20.
Alex Sobel MP for Leeds North West said
“I am dismayed at these changes. Traffic in Leeds is out of control. By far the best way to sustainably improve congestion and air quality is to get people out of their cars and onto public transport. This is made a lot harder by First, who are raising the fares without any noticeable improvement in quality.
Buses are now more fuel efficient, which is good news, but it makes me wonder what the cost to First is that they are passing onto passengers? I have written to First directly to ask for an explanation. This whole issue underlines the need for Bus regulation in Leeds and Government investment in alternative public transport.”
Neil Walshaw, Labour Councillor for Headingley said
“Leeds City Council are investing in roads and focussing on bus priority. We are doing this for the benefit of the people of Leeds, many of whom depend on the bus every day. I wish that First would meet us half way and do their bit to incentivise bus use.”
James Gibson, Labour Councillor for Weetwood said
“I’m appalled at this change. There are so many residents in Weetwood who depend on the bus to get to work or appointments. My inbox is full of emails about the poor quality of service and this change has made public trust in our only bus company even worse.”