Bradley has raised concerns about the impact the Government’s 50% fare hike could have on local bus services.
Under plans announced by the Government last year, the current bus fare pricing cap of £2 rose to £3 when it ended on December 31.
And the increase is likely to be felt sharply by the most vulnerable in society and have a negative impact on both young and old passengers.
Bradley has warned the increase in prices could see a drop in passenger numbers and ultimately see a reduction in services.
Bradley said:
“The Government might argue the fare increase is just a pound, but the cumulative effect in Bromsgrove and the Villages and across the country could be a disaster.
“As local fares go up as a direct result of the Government’s policies, it is likely passenger numbers will go down and ultimately bus companies may be faced with stopping vital routes and ending essential services.
“The impact of the increases will be felt right across the board from young people using buses to access education, to workers and older people who have the bus as their only source of transport to go to appointments, go shopping or visit family and friends.
“The cost to people could work out to be hundreds of pounds a year to regular users, let alone the environmental impact of discouraging sustainable travel as people turn back to cars.
“There is still time for the Transport Secretary to change this decision and I urge her to do so.”
