08 August 2008

Dear Colleagues,

This week we announced that fares on Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus will change from Monday 25th August 2008.   This has been necessary due to the continued increase in fuel costs.  

We have worked hard to keep our fares as low as possible but fuel is a major cost in running our services and this year the fuel bill will be £9million higher than last year. Unfortunately, we have no other option but to raise our fares. On average, the increase on Metro will be 6.4%, Ulsterbus 5% and N I Railways local fares 4.2%.

We have seen strong passenger growth across our network by delivering quality, customer focused services.  It is important that we continue this trend so we can keep our fares as low as possible for everyone.  Bus and rail travel is still by far the best value choice particularly in the current economic climate as we all face large price hikes in petrol and diesel and other energy bills.
 
Many of our customers could be paying less and we need to ensure that they are aware and encouraged to take advantage of discounts offered with multi journey tickets and special fare offers or to make the most of SmartPass concessions where they are eligible in order to get the best savings.  For Metro our weekly travel card is held at just £14.50, giving unlimited travel for much less than the cost of a tank of fuel and Ulsterbus day tickets have been held at £1.70.  The 1/3rd Off off-peak rail returns promotion will also be retained.
 
I know this is unwelcome news for our customers and of course, there will be no let up in our focus on cost control and will continue to work to deliver our services as efficiently as possible.

Despite these cost pressures, we have much to look forward to and with further investment planned, we will continue to improve our services still further and continue the success of passenger transport in Northern Ireland.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive