There is a strong and growing rumour on the local trains to the effect that there are going to be major changes in the way the concessionary fares are charged.
Our most recent information suggests that the flat rate 50 pence fare in West Yorkshire will be abolished, and that a new fare based on either half or one third of the existing standard fare will be introduced. Thus, on the local trip from Slaithwaite to Huddersfield the fare would rise from 50 pence to at least 60 pence (depending on the overall increase in fare which will come into force in January. However a return fare would possibly be double.
The effect of this change will be felt more deeply for those many pensioners who use the current concessionary fare to travel to see friends all over west Yorkshire. For example many pensioners enjoy a day out to the tea rooms of Ilkley which is a bargain at £1.00 return, how much this trip will cost after Christmas is unknown today.
SMART has written to Metro for clarification, but so far has not received a reply.
Previous recent articles in the local press have pointed out that fares in West Yorkshire are rising well above inflation, by as much as 10% in certain cases. This will, we assume make it very difficult for some people on low wages to get to work in Leeds and Wakefield and Bradford.
Editor
SMART
5 October 2011