Diesel fuels Stagecoach ticket rise

By SCOTT MacLEOD transport reporter

The Stagecoach bus firm will raise its fares an average of 10 per cent in three weeks, blaming a big increase in diesel costs.

Stagecoach Auckland said late yesterday that the rise was to cover costs, especially for diesel, since the last increase 3 1/2 years ago.

Some fares, for example those for the inner city, will not go up but others - such as monthly passes - will rise more than 10 per cent.

The increases, which take effect on April 30, do not apply to Link services.

Stagecoach managing director Bill Rae said his was the last of the major Auckland bus firms to increase fares since October.

"We have held out for as long as we could in the hope that diesel prices might fall back to their previous levels, but unfortunately there is no sign of this happening," he said. "Bus fares are very sensitive to the price of fuel."

Stagecoach also announced three new ticket options, to start next month.

The first, called ShopperPass, will allow unlimited use of Stagecoach and Link buses between 10 am and 2 pm on any normal weekday.

It will sell for $3 a day next month, then for $5.

The second, called GroupPass, will allow four people to travel together on Stagecoach and Link buses from 9 am on any one day of the week, including holidays, for a total of $16. Both passes can be bought on buses.

The third is aimed at occasional bus travellers using a GoRider card, and offers 10 per cent discounts under a Stored Value option.

Details of the fare changes will be handed to Stagecoach users on Monday, April 23.

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