Birmingham bus users have slammed 'fare-dodging yobs' as ticket prices rise from today, June 28. An adult day ticket has increased by 30p to £5.50, and a child day ticket by 20p to £2.80. Single tickets remain unchanged at £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.
Passengers Blame Fare-Dodgers for Price Hike
Many passengers feel they are paying the price for those who refuse to pay. Richard Farrell said: "The amount of people who get on without paying just walk past the driver is unbelievable but the driver hasn't got time to question them." Liam Hurley added: "So we pay more because of these yobs that walk on and don't pay." Sheila Watkins wrote: "Charging us for all the people they let on the bus, who don't pay, so we pay more." Narissa Harris commented: "It's so frustrating when bus drivers are consistently letting people on for free because they just walk on and don't challenge them."
Bus Driver Responds to Criticism
Long-standing bus driver Khayam Fayaz hit back, asking for support. He said: "I've been a bus driver for 22 years and whenever I've challenged a non payer another passenger has a go at me for delaying the service and say 'just let them on' or someone comes and pays for them. People need to realise drivers do this for the benefit of other passengers. But if they get turned on by others instead of getting backed up then is there any point?"
Official Explanation and Tougher Penalties
National Express West Midlands said the fare changes reflected an "annual price rise due to rising costs of maintaining the bus network." A spokesperson said: "Bus fares have been agreed by Transport for West Midlands and all bus operators within the nBus zone." Earlier in the year, National Express promised to toughen punishments for fare dodgers. From April 20, the penalty for travelling without a valid ticket rose from £70 to £100. National Express said: "Fare dodgers may also face prosecution and, if a court finds them guilty, could be fined up to £1,000. This change brings the system in line with other transport operators in the region." Jacques Le Gall, Senior Commercial Manager, said: "Fare evasion is something we take very seriously. While the vast majority of our customers pay their way, there is a small minority of people who think the rules don't apply to them. Our passengers feel it is unfair when people use bus services without paying. We hope this significant increase in standard fare charges will act as a better deterrent."
