Cheaper fares to ease traffic (From Warrington Guardian)

Cheaper fares to ease traffic

CHEAPER bus fares could be on the way as Warrington Borough Council tries to get people out their cars.

The aim is to use cheaper public transport as an incentive for cutting commuter congestion.

The newly released draft version of the borough's five-year transport plan reveals the ticket ideas being considered.

They include:

l A clearer policy for 16 to 18-year-old student fares

l A full review of concessionary fares to coincide with the introduction of free fares for all over 60s and disabled people

l Work with bus operators to introduce family tickets, cheaper off-peak fares and child return fares

l Work with Job Centre Plus to reduce travel cost barriers for unemployed and economically inactive people

l Promotional work on the different seasonal and discounted tickets available

More fare concessions would complement the massive investment in the new bus station.

The borough council has stepped in to pay for it - with help from government grants - at a cost of approximately £7m.

Nigel Featham, head of Warrington Borough Transport said: "As buses have become more dependable, comfortable and cost effective, the number using them has steadily risen.

"A new bus station and a positive review of fares can only provide a boost."