First rate rip off on Rochdale buses says MP

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has accused First Bus of 'ripping off' the people of Rochdale.' He was speaking after the company put prices up by nearly 10%. The price increase means that a return trip from Rochdale to Castleton by bus is nearly twice as expensive as the train journey into the heart of Manchester and back.

Paul Rowen said: "At a time when we are encouraging people to travel on public transport these price hikes are an insult. It is clear that companies like First Buses are yet again putting profits before people. Their near monopoly in Rochdale means that people have little choice but to fork out their extortionate fares.

"Residents tell me that the service they provide isn't even up to scratch and this reaffirms my long established campaign to re-nationalise our bus services.

The TIF Bid will lead to a huge expansion of our buses and I don't want to see the massive investment ending up providing vehicles for First Bus to continue to rip us off.

"Unbelievably, First Bus also charge £3.00 more for the same off-peak journey into Manchester than train operators."

Castleton Councillor Peter Davidson, one of Rochdale's Transport Bosses, will now raise the issue at the next meeting of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Councillor Davidson said: "I am disgusted that the services are getting worse whilst prices are rising. This is a huge kick in the teeth for local people affected by the credit crunch. I used to work as a Bus Conductor many moons ago and what is clear is that when buses were under control locally the services were better and considerably cheaper. I am calling on the Passenger Transport Authority to intervene and stop these escalating prices."