Another blow for public transport in Sheffield as Supertram fares to rocket by up to 13%

3.43.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Aug 2005

Supertram

Liberal Democrats in Sheffield have reacted to the news that Supertram fares will increase at inflation busting rates from the 21st of August next week. They believe it is another blow for public transport in Sheffield and will add to the Cities growing congestion problem as more and more people go back to using cars.

From the 21st of August fares on Supertram will increase. Day Rider fares will increase from £2.50 to £2.70, weekly passes will increase from £8 to £9, and monthly passes will increase from £31 to £35. The fare hikes are 8%, 12.5% and 13% respectively and are all way the current rate of inflation (CPI) which is 2%.

Bus services in Sheffield have been under fire recently over fare hikes, now Supertram are following suit with these above inflation increases. Also, just last week the Labour Council announced that there would be an extra 50p levy on all taxi journeys in Sheffield to help drivers buy new vehicles.

Lib Dems believe that Sheffield's transport crisis will now deepen, with more and more people turning away from public transport. Liberal Democrats have praised Supertram's reliability and customer service, but they believe fare increases of more up to 13% are unjustified. Lib Dems have also criticised the Labour run Council for not applying pressure to keep public transport fares down.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: -

"A few weeks ago it was bus fares going up, last week it was our Labour run Council imposing a 50p levy on all Taxi journeys, this week its Supertram who are pushing their fares up at way above the rate of inflation. Transport in Sheffield is in crisis"

"In general Supertram offer a good reliable service, unlike the buses, but fare increases of up to 13% are unacceptable. For example, a commuter who uses the tram all year round using monthly passes will see their annual commuting bill go up from £372 to £420"

"Yet again its left to the Liberal Democrats and commuters in Sheffield to kick up a fuss about more increases in public transport fares. Our Labour Council are not taking action and to use their power and influence to apply pressure an persuade public transport operators to keep their fares down in the interests of passengers and transport in Sheffield"