In its GB National Fares Survey, the TAS Partnership has found that multi-operator tickets are available for 69% of trips reviewed – a figure that varies by market, operating group and region.
The survey reveals that multi-operator tickets are available for 100% of trips in PTE areas, 74% across GB cities, 52% across Shire towns and 43% across interurban areas
The survey also found that 70% of sample trips had a smartcard ticket option and 50% had a mobile ticketing option.
Regionally, Yorkshire & Humber has the greatest availability of multi-operator tickets at 79% and Wales the least at 53%.
“There is the misconception that multi-operator bus tickets are not widely available,” says TAS Director Steve Warburton, “but our figures show this is simply not true.”
Key findings included:
- While RPI has increased by 23% since 2009, the GB average adult single fare for a three-mile trip in 2015 was £2.21, an increase of 5% since 2013
- The average day ticket cost £4.83 – only 2.3% since 2009.
- The average weekly ticket cost £16.74 – up 21% since 2009.
- Commuters get a good deal with an average discount of 24% for weekly tickets
Adds Mr Warburton: “The widespread, public expectation that ‘wave and pay’ or rather ‘press and pay’ is the norm will undoubtedly place pressure on bus operators to follow suit and major operators have promised significant progress in this field during 2017.
“Despite the political emphasis on smartcards, mobile ticketing has been developed and introduced far more quickly.”
He concludes: “While rail fares have risen notably above RPI, it is a good news story from the bus industry that the rise in cost of day and weekly bus fares have kept below the rate of inflation, on average and single fares only 3%.
“This is something the industry should be proud of when faced with significant cost pressures, not least traffic congestion.”
The National Fares Survey, published every two years since 2009, aims to provide a benchmark and comparison for adult bus fares for ‘typical’ three-mile journeys across Great Britain for journeys passengers are likely to make.
The analysis covers region, area type and operating group as well as comparison with previous surveys and is the only study of its kind and scope to provide a comprehensive analysis of passenger fares based on similar surveys in 2009, 2011 and 2013.
A sample of 1,028 adult fares was collected using a sample size for each operator in relation to its fleet size, with subsidiaries of the ‘big groups’ treated separately. For operators with simple fares structures (e.g. flat fare scales) and large fleets sample fares were repeated at the same price.
