Bus and tram fares will rise by up to 20%

An increase in operating costs and a reduction in subsidies has been blamed for the hike, which Blackpool Transport yesterday said was the first standard single fare rise to hit buses and trams in six years.

There will be no change to the Blackpool1 ticket range of 24 hour, three day, weekly, and monthly tickets.

There is also no change to the 16 to 19 tickets and child fares, the service added.

A spokesman said: “This is the first standard single fares increase since 2010 and the average increase across all fares is just 3.5 per cent.

“We also still remain one of the cheapest bus and tram operators in the UK, with independent research by Passenger Focus rating Blackpool Transport amongst the best operators for value for money, with satisfaction of 78 per cent.

From May, £1 bus fares will increase to £1.20, £1.50 will go up to £1.60, £2 to £2.10, and £2.50 to £2.60.

Tram fares will increase from £1.50 to £1.60, £2 to £2.10, and £2.50 to £2.60.

The council’s opposition leader, Coun Tony Williams, said: “The question is can people afford it? We need good transport links in Blackpool and people need to get to work.

“This will affect a lot of people who use buses every day – it’s an extra £50 over a year, it’s not pocket change. It just shows how out-of-touch the council is.”