Bus fare shocker

This service is run by First but the prices are determined by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). The flat fare of 50p has suddenly jumped to 1.65 as of Monday.

SPT blames the general economic situation for making subsidised bus travel "unsustainable".

They say the service has been priced at 50p since its introduction in 2002. This was possible as the route was subsidised via rail franchising agreements but SPT no longer has access to that funding.

The firm claims the new fare was determined based on journey length. A spokeswoman said: "SPT, like all local authorities, recognises these are tough times financially and difficult funding decisions need to be taken to balance budgets.

"We are anticipating a substantial overspend on subsidised bus services within this current year alone. Unfortunately, fares as low as 50p are unsustainable. However, rather than lose services, like the 348 rail-feeder bus, we are negotiating with commercial operators to keep them running."

One regular user of the 348 service, Chris Ball, commented: "This has been a flat 50p for years then all of a sudden today's increase.

"I'm lucky it's only a major inconvenience, but lots of schoolkids rely on the service. I suspect the 348 isn't the only service affected."