Rise in fuel costs force fare increases

The rocketing price of diesel has pushed up operating costs to such a degree that Go North East is unable to hold off an increase in fares any longer. Reluctantly, fares will be increased from Sunday, April 6.

Martin Harris, Commercial Director with Go North East said

“Over the last year, the price of fuel has shot up and our fuel bill is now 56% higher than it was 12 months ago. We need to find an extra £10,500 for every day of travel just to cover those costs – that’s nearly £4m a year.

”We have held off putting up fares for as long as we can, but we cannot absorb the cost of these significant fuel rises any longer without it beginning to affect our services and restricting the amount of investment we can make in our fleet.

“Our services still offer great value for money and there are no plans, at the moment, to increase the cost of BuzzFare and Get Around tickets. These are available as one, seven or 28 day tickets or annual tickets and save money for passengers who travel with us regularly.

“Although we have no choice but to put prices up, we have kept the increases to a minimum and some fares will be unchanged. Inflation alone will have prompted a need for raising fares in the summer.”

The fare increases will vary, but generally single fares up to £1.50 will increase by 10p each journey, single fares up to £3 will increase by 20p each journey while those costing £3 or over will either remain at £3 or increase to the nearest round figure to cost either £3.50 or £4.

The revised fares have given Go North East the opportunity to simplify prices and from the date of the increases, most fares will be in increments of 10p. This not only makes cash fares easier to understand but should also reduce the amount of time spent giving change, speeding up boarding times.

For detailed information on individual fare increases, contact Go North East’s Customer Services team on 0845 60 60 260.