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Anger over bus pass axe as Stagecoach confirms fare rises across Nuneaton and Bedworth

Thu Jun 19, 2025 5:01 am

One bus user said the current Coventry/Bedworth bus pass was being cut

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Anger has erupted over bus fare rises across Nuneaton and Bedworth. Stagecoach confirmed there would be increases from Sunday, June 29.

On its website, the bus firm said it has been 'absorbing' the increase in costs over the past year. But it said policy changes that had impacted employment costs and continued inflationary pressures had led to the increase.

While single fares will be either £2.75 or £3, the bus company said there would be increases across day, week and four-weekly travel. The change also includes the loss of the current Coventry/Bedworth bus pass.

One Bedworth bus user, who did not want to be named, told CoventryLive she would now have to buy a Nuneaton pass, which would cost her almost double.

"The old Coventry/Bedworth bus pass currently costs £64 per month, the new pass we will have to buy will cost £100.80 per month," she said.

"As a result of this increase, it’s going to be cheaper to drive to work and pay for parking than catch the bus. All at a time when we are meant to be encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport."

The old Coventry to Bedworth bus pass will form part of the Nuneaton Mega Rider. This means that the pass will cover one zone - bus travel across the Nuneaton and Coventry network.

Mark Whitelocks, managing director for Stagecoach Midlands, described the new fares as as 'exceptional value' for money, including savings of up to 40 per cent for some Nuneaton customers. He added that by March of next year, an extra 500 electric buses would be added to its fleet and the company was investing in a more user-friendly app and website.

“Bus travel continues to offer exceptional value for money, and our fares remain an affordable, sustainable choice for our customers." he said. "Stagecoach has a strong track record of providing some of the most competitive ticket prices in the UK, and we remain committed to keeping travel costs as low as possible.

“We’re also focused on meeting the changing needs of passengers, which is why we’ve introduced a range of ticketing options designed to offer even better value and convenience."

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