Green Party councillors have condemned the bus fare rises announced yesterday as "shocking". Cllr Bernard Little commented, "This is the fourth First Group bus fare rise in a year. Fare increases hit the most disadvantaged hardest. I agree with Cllr Martin Davis that this makes a mockery of getting people back onto public transport. Many vital bus routes will be less financially viable and may be cut. Public transport should be seen as an essential public service rather than a way for big business to make a profit. It's time this Labour Council called on the Labour government to properly regulate the buses so they are affordable, reliable and serve routes where and when they are needed".

In today's Full Council meeting, Cllr Little will be tabling an amendment to the city's Plan for Transport calling for changes in and use and economic policies to promote local communities and reduce the need to travel. The Greens say the Transport Plan should favour pedestrians, cyclists and public transport over cars and air travel.

ENDS

Contact: Kathy Aston, 0114 222 1795 (W)