BUS fares for Redditch’s main operator are set to increase to ‘reduce the risk of significant service cuts to the network’ in the future.

Diamond Bus is increasing their ticket fares from Sunday, May 28 in Redditch, Kidderminster and Bromsgrove.

However, the operator will still continue to take part in the current government-funded £2 fare cap scheme for single journeys.

An adult day ticket in Redditch will now cost £4.00, an increase of 50p from its current price of £3.50.

A child day ticket in Redditch is also rising by 50p to a price of £3.50.

An adult Redditch week ticket will cost £17 – an increase of £2 from its current price.

Diamond Bus say the industry has struggled to recover since the Covid pandemic and continues to make financial losses in the UK.

A spokesperson for the provider said: “We have been working with local authorities since the pandemic to revise services to try and align the income and expenditure of these routes and improve their viability, but, unfortunately in the current economic climate, we have now reluctantly taken the decision to increase our fares.

“Diamond fares have remained one of the lowest priced networks in the region for a number of years and we have also kept our Diamond Network tickets and passes frozen in price since 2019. 

“In bordering county areas such as Telford, Shropshire and Stratford, Warwickshire; local and network fares are significantly higher than those on the Diamond Network.

“Our new fares structure will bring our ticket prices much more in line with those currently available in the market place.”

“We understand that the general cost of living has increased for many people, and in these difficult times, to hear that bus fares in the region will also be increasing is not welcome news.

“However, it is an unfortunate necessity in order to make our network more viable and reduce the risk of significant service cuts to the bus network in the future.”

Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport Cllr Mike Rouse said: he understands the concerns around the fare increase and it’s 'disheartening' to see the adjustments.

“While the fare increase is regrettable, it is a necessary step to account for the rising operational expenses faced by Diamond Buses,” said Cllr Rouse.

“However, our focus remains steadfast on implementing measures that enhance our transportation services.

“The establishment of the Enhanced Partnership, coupled with the government’s funding for our Bus Service Improvement Plan, demonstrates our commitment to delivering improved quality and efficiency in our bus services for the benefit of our community.”

This will be the second time in 10 months that Diamond Bus has increased ticket prices in Redditch.

Last September, the provider announced it was increasing prices, due to ‘increased operating costs and low passenger numbers’.

Many services were set to be cut last year but following an agreement with Worcestershire County Council, seven loss making routes were saved.