Bus fares in Southampton have risen again, with Bluestar increasing ticket prices for the fourth time in three years. The operator, which serves the city and surrounding areas, says the move comes after careful consideration and reflects the rising cost of running its services.
From Sunday, the price of an adult dayrider paper ticket—which offers unlimited journeys within the city—has jumped to £4.50, a 28% increase compared to 2022. Children’s dayriders now cost £3.70, up from £3.50, while group tickets have risen from £8.70 to £9. Passengers who buy adult day tickets through the Bluestar app will pay £4.30, a 20p saving on the paper version.
The increases also cover all-day, child, and group tickets, as well as period passes ranging from seven-day to annual fares. A full list of updated prices is available on Bluestar’s website.
Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar’s general manager told the BBC the company had not taken the decision lightly. “We think very carefully before making changes to ticket prices, and we introduce them only when necessary,” he said. “We have kept the rises to an absolute minimum.”
Tyldsley acknowledged the increases might disappoint some passengers, but said Bluestar had been working with Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council to improve bus timetables across the region.
Not all fares are changing. The £3 cap for single journeys and the £1 evening fare remain in place, in line with the Department for Transport scheme funded by the UK Government.
Bluestar’s latest fare increases echo challenges faced by many public transport providers, as they balance rising operational costs with the need to keep services accessible for local residents.
