Parent's outrage over Stagecoach bus prices to send children to school

Stagecoach took over Arriva on routes from Carlisle to Newcastle from January 22.

Now there is concern that the 'new deals' such as the extension of the under-19 pass for schoolchildren does not extend to the west of Hexham.

The pass was only extended from Newcastle to Hexham earlier this week, leaving parents to pay over £4 for a return each day instead of £3 if they don't live in the valid area.

"It is incredibly unfair and leaves a lot of people spending more to send their children to school," Ann Connor, of Bardon Mill said.

"I work in Hexham and can drive my kids in some days but they have to get the bus three times a week when I can't.

"It is just not what we need when everything else is rising in costs, especially petrol costs."

Ann feels frustrated as she knows there are deals for students but they do not apply past Hexham.

She adds: "It is great that they extended the under-19 bus pass to Hexham but the rest of Northumberland west of Hexham feels forgotten.

"The pass is for 'unlimited travel' but why is it only restricted from Newcastle to Hexham?"

"Hexham is not just one place and is not where pupils of local schools live.

"My children have to pay £2 each way when those east of Hexham were paying £3 unlimited travel or £1.20 for a single – grossly unfair.

"We had hoped when the news about Stagecoach taking over Arriva was good news but it isn't.

"A lof of us feel like something should change but at the minute it doesn't feel like it will.

"We will jusy carry on until it does as there is nothing else we can do."

Parents have contacted Guy Opperman MP to seek support.

Mr Opperman said: “I am aware of the concerns raised over Stagecoach not offering an under-19 travel pass on the west route between Hexham and Carlisle since they took over the service from Arriva.

"I have made representations to Stagecoach on behalf of my constituents and I look forward to hearing their response.”