South Gloucestershire Council has welcomed the news that First West of England are trialling some new, lower single bus fares for town journeys in Thornbury and Yate.<\/p>\n
The trial began yesterday (29 September) and comes in response to feedback received from local residents, councillors and stakeholders, and recognises that there are some towns where the distance-based single fares are not always cost effective for short local journeys.<\/p>\n
Cllr Steve Reade, South Gloucestershire Council\u2019s Cabinet Member responsible for Transport, said: \u201cWe\u2019re delighted to see First take on board local feedback and trial these new lower fares in our area, having discussed the concept with us back in July.
\n\u201cBuses provide a vital link for many residents in our rural towns and communities and we want to ensure our local high streets and centres are accessible to all.
\n\u201cBeing able to access reliable public transport at an affordable rate will also play a big part in encouraging people to leave the car at home and change to more sustainable travel methods.\u201d<\/p>\n
James Freeman, First West of England Managing Director, said: \u201cWe have listened hard to local residents and councillors and are pleased to be able to trial these great value fares. The economic challenges facing our high streets are well known, so we are pleased to do our bit to help people travel locally without adding to congestion or having to worry about parking. We are very hopeful that local people will take to the new fares so that we can make them a permanent fixture and achieve a lasting increase in local bus travel in Yate and Thornbury.\u201d<\/p>\n