BUS operator Stagecoach has confirmed a fare increase will come into effect from today for Cumbria services.

Due to rising costs, from Saturday, April 6, for a number of tickets from Carlisle, Penrith and across the north west.

Mark Whitelocks, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: "We are committed to providing our customers with excellent levels of service at the best value.

"Customer satisfaction was measured at 93 per cent in a recent survey conducted by Transport Focus, a six per cent increase on the previous year.

"Like all businesses and local authorities our costs are significantly impacted by the effect of rising inflation.

"As a result, we need to review our prices and products on a regular basis to ensure we remain sustainable, can continue to invest in our business and most importantly meet the growing needs of our customers.

"In the last 12 months we have invested in new ticket technology on our buses to give our customers the opportunity to pay with their contactless bank cards, Apple pay and Gpay and spent over £4 million on new cleaner, greener buses."

In Carlisle, tickets will cost:

  • Carlisle Dayrider will be £3.50 (previously £3.40)
  • Carlisle Dayrider Plus will be £7.40 (previously £7.30)
  • Carlisle 7-day Megarider will be £12.50 (previously £12.00)
  • Carlisle 7-day Megarider plus will be £26 (previously £25.00)
  • Carlisle Group Dayrider will be £8.70 (previously £8.50)
  • Carlisle Group Dayrider Plus will be £17.40 (previously £17.00)
  • Carlisle Under 19 Dayrider will be £2.60 (previously £2.50)
  • Carlisle Under 19 Dayrider Plus will be £4.90 (previously £4.80)

In Penrith, the new prices will be:

  • Penrith & Ullswater Dayrider will be £8.50
  • Penrith & Ullswater Child/Concession Dayrider will be £6.20
  • Penrith & Ullswater Group Dayrider will be £6.20
  • Penrith & Ullswater Group Rambler will be £17.50

For services across the north west, tickets will be:

  • North West Explorer will be £11.50 (one day) or £26 (three day) and a North West Megarider Gold will be £29
  • North West Child Explorer will be £8.50 (one day) or £19 (three day)
  • North West Group Explorer will be £32.70
  • North West Megarider Gold Group seven day will be £63.