A 45% School Bus Fare Hike: A Parent’s Concerns
A recent decision to switch the operator for a popular school bus route between Coventry and Rugby has sparked significant concern among parents, particularly Ambi Ambituuni. As a father of two, Ambituuni is troubled by the implications of a 45% fare increase scheduled for January 2.
Impact of the Fare Increase
– Current Costs: Ambituuni’s daughter currently rides the 85 bus operated by National Express, costing £165 per term.
– New Costs: Under the new operator, Stagecoach, the monthly fare will jump to £75.60, resulting in a total of £302.40 per term.
– Comparison of Ticket Prices:
– Stagecoach offers a seven-day ‘MegaRider’ ticket for young people under 19 priced at £18.90.
– In contrast, the existing National Express weekly ticket costs £22 for the outer zone.
Parent Reactions
Ambituuni became aware of the fare change through a parent group chat, prompting him to investigate the new costs. He expressed deep concern over the financial burden this increase will impose, especially amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures affecting families.
– “It is a substantial amount,” Ambituuni noted. “Many families will feel this financial strain come January 2026.”
Broader Implications
The impacted bus route serves three schools in Rugby, highlighting the significance of affordable transportation for students and their families. Ambituuni is calling on Warwickshire County Council and Stagecoach to reconsider the new pricing structure.
– “The pricing needs to be comparable to what National Express offers,” he stated. “Warwickshire County Council should exert pressure on Stagecoach since they awarded the contract.”
Council’s Position
A spokesperson from Warwickshire County Council acknowledged the fare hike, explaining that the routes will operate as subsidised services under the council’s contract.
– “The contract was awarded through competitive tender, and operators bid based on locally established commercial fares,” they stated.
– The council emphasized its commitment to providing essential school transport assistance to entitled pupils but noted limitations in subsidising non-entitled students.
Recommendations for Parents
For parents like Ambituuni exploring options for the upcoming term, the council suggests considering more economical ticket choices:
– Young Person’s MegaRider Ticket: A 7-day or 28-day option may offer better value for frequent riders.
As January approaches, the concern among parents regarding the 45% school bus fare hike continues to grow, highlighting the need for dialogue between stakeholders to ensure affordable and accessible transportation for all students.