03.07.23 – Affordable Fares Scheme, Silver Award for Staffordshire Police

Bus passengers travelling around Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle are set to benefit from discounted ticket prices from next month.

In partnership with all bus operators across the city, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is introducing a brand-new Affordable Fares scheme which will see existing fares cut by up to 50 per cent.

The scheme, which will come into force on Saturday 1 July, is part of a city-wide effort to encourage more people to use public transport when travelling in and around the city.

As well as big discounts on current prices, bus users will be able to use the same ‘smart’ ticket across all bus services in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle.

Under the Affordable Fares scheme adult tickets will be reduced by up to 50 per cent meaning an adult single ticket will cost just £2, an adult day ticket will cost just £3.50 and an adult week ticket will cost just £12.

The young person’s ticket has also been extended as part of the scheme, meaning tickets for people aged 18 and under will now cost £1.50 (single) £2 (day) and £7 (week). This represents a reduction of over 50 per cent on current ticket prices.

Children under five and concessionary travel pass holders will continue to travel free of charge (after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays).

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for planning, climate change and regeneration, said: “Our flagship Affordable Fares scheme is just one of a number of transport improvements we are planning to make in the city over the next three years as part of a multi-million pound investment in public transport.

“We are working with bus companies, government ministers and other valued partners to ensure we can deliver the very best for our residents.

“We will be inviting bus companies to a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss how we can continue to make improvements to the city’s bus services now and in the future.”

Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for environment and enforcement, said: “We want to make it as easy and as affordable as possible for our residents to travel around the city no matter their age or circumstances and we believe that our Affordable Fares scheme will take us one step closer to achieving that.

“I would encourage as many residents as possible to make the most of these discounted prices and enjoy everything that the city has to offer.”

The Affordable Fares scheme will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months, initially until 30 June, 24.

It is the first of a number of bus service improvements which are set to be introduced in Stoke-on-Trent over the next three years as part of a £31.6 million investment.

Earlier this month, Stoke-on-Trent City Council officials outlined the plans at a meeting with Richard Holden MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for roads and local transport.

Members and officers discussed the opportunities around renewable energy and highlighted the need for a clear plan, and additional funding, by government to enable a better bus network to be restored across the city beyond the next three years.

More information about other planned improvements, as part of a new Enhanced Partnership between the city council and bus operators, can be viewed here: https://www.stoke.gov.uk/enhancedpartnership

Alternatively, for further details, visit: https://www.stoke.gov.uk/publictransport

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Staffordshire Police have been recognised with an award for our commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community.

The force is one of a select number of organisations to receive a silver award as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, and comes after we pledged our commitment to the Armed Forces by signing a national covenant in August last year.

Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams said: “I am both delighted and proud that we have been recognised for the support provided to those from a military background.

“Since we signed the Armed Forces Covenant last year, we have shown that we are truly committed to ensuring that serving or ex-military personnel are treated fairly.

“This important work will ensure that the force continues to benefit from the invaluable skills and experience that those with military service bring to policing.”
Staffordshire Police currently employs around 50 veterans or members of military families.

We provide an additional five days’ paid leave for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers. We also have supportive HR policies in place and a staff association – the Armed Forces Network – to support officers and staff who are veterans, reservists, cadet volunteers, as well as partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.