Get ready for some changes in Edinburgh's public transport fares! A rise in bus and tram fares is on the horizon, impacting commuters and visitors alike.
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams have announced an increase in adult single fares, from £2.20 to £2.40, and a similar hike for child tickets, now costing £1.20 instead of £1.10. Day tickets will also see a 50p increase, bringing the new price to £6. But here's the controversial part: not all fares are going up! NightBus and Airlink Airport bus fares will remain unchanged, which might leave some wondering about the reasoning behind these selective increases.
The fare revisions will take effect on Sunday, February 22nd, and they're not limited to just Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. Lothian Country and East Coast Buses are also included in these price hikes. And this is the part most people miss: the bus service review also involves some exciting changes to routes and connections.
Some key improvements include new local links in Midlothian, connecting Bonnyrigg, Hopefield, Cockpen, Brixwold, and Dalkeith. West Craigs will be added to the bus network once the necessary infrastructure is in place. Additionally, there will be new links between Shandon, Slateford, Chesser, Edinburgh Park, and the Gyle Centre. And for those commuting from Rosewell, there's great news: a direct link to Edinburgh city centre, operating daily, seven days a week.
Sarah Boyd, the chief executive for Lothian and Edinburgh Trams, emphasizes that season ticket holders with Ridacard continue to enjoy the lowest fares for city-wide travel. She acknowledges the significant cost increases across their operations, stating, "Despite our efforts to mitigate these pressures, rising costs continue to impact our business."
Boyd justifies the fare increase as a necessary step to ensure long-term service sustainability, with all fare revenue reinvested into the public transport network. She highlights their commitment to prioritizing investment in their fleet, premises, staff, and customer experience.
So, what do you think about these fare changes and the accompanying service improvements? Are the benefits worth the price hike? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
