Bus Fares Increase in Stoke-on-Trent to Sustain Discount Scheme

Bus fares in Stoke-on-Trent will increase starting today, November 1, 2023, as part of efforts to maintain the Smart Fares discount scheme. This initiative, which was launched in July 2023 in collaboration with five local bus operators, has successfully reduced some ticket prices by nearly half, significantly benefiting local commuters.

The Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed that the Smart Fares scheme will continue until the end of March 2024. Since its inception, nearly 2.5 million tickets have been sold, contributing to over 12.5 million bus trips across the city and surrounding areas in north Staffordshire. The council stated that the fare increase is necessary to maximize government funding and ensure the ongoing viability of the project.

Despite the fare adjustments, the price of an adult daily ticket will remain at £4.80, maintaining a 28 percent discount for users. The council also announced the removal of adult and young person three-month tickets from the scheme due to low uptake.

Continuing Progress and Community Connection

The Smart Fares scheme encompasses bus services operated by First, D&G, Stantons of Stoke, Scraggs, and Arriva Midlands. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, and regeneration, emphasized the initiative’s mission to make public transportation affordable and accessible.

“When we launched the Smart Fares scheme, our mission was simple: to make public transport something people could truly depend on—affordable, accessible, and fair,” he stated. “Since then, millions of journeys have been made across our city, and that tells a story of progress. Extending the scheme means keeping that momentum going, keeping travel affordable, and keeping our communities connected.”

The council aims to revamp the bus network by introducing new and improved routes, fostering a transportation system that prioritizes freedom and opportunity for every resident. As Councillor Gordon-McCusker articulated, “Transportation is about freedom, opportunity, and the dignity of being able to get where you need to go.”

As the city moves forward with these changes, the council will continue to collaborate closely with local operators and government entities to ensure that every investment benefits the people of Stoke-on-Trent.