Nottingham City Transport will be increasing some single trip and day ticket prices for the first time in two and a half years.
The fare changes will come into force from Sunday, October 31.
This is to balance the books against increased operating costs and reduced government Covid funding for the bus industry.
NCT’s fares remain competitive with other local operators and in line with neighbouring cities of Derby and Leicester.
David Astill, NCT’s Managing Director said: “We cancelled the planned fare rise that would have come into effect just after the first lockdown started in March 2020 and have been able to keep our services running thanks to government support through the COVID-19 Bus Service Support Grant.
“That grant is no longer available and a new government funding mechanism is in place, which still contributes towards operating costs, but at a lower level.
“There is an expectation within this new government scheme to increase fares to help balance the books and we have ensured these fare changes are below the rate of inflation since our fares last changed in early 2019.
“We recognise fare increases are never welcome, but after holding fares for two and a half years, it is now necessary to increase some fares to ensure we can continue operating and providing Nottingham with its award-winning bus service.”
All Easyrider Everyday, Easyrider Anyday, and multi-day ticket prices on the NCTX Buses app are frozen, rewarding customers who commit to longer-term travel with unlimited daily travel available from £1.57 per day.
The Under 19 all-day ticket, Grouprider, Network Rider, Park & Ride Return fare and Outer Area fares will also be frozen at their current prices.
Premium fares on Night Buses in Nottingham will no longer apply and customers will pay the same price as they do during the day – £2.40 single.
The Local Fare and Inner City Return will be discontinued due to the level of discount offered by these tickets no longer being viable and increasing cases of misuse of these tickets outside their designated zones.
Further details about the fare change are available at www.nctx.co.uk.
Lead image: Rucsandra Moldoveanu