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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think this new arrangement re bus fares is unfair?

154 replies

EmotionallyWeird · 20/07/2025 19:03

I live in an area where most of the buses are operated by Stagecoach. For the last few years (since I started my current job which is too far to walk) I've bought a monthly travel card. At first it was a physical piece of cardboard and you had to get a new one every month, then it became a smart card (which looks like a debit card) which you had to top up online.

Today I found out that the system is changing again and when my current top-up expires, it will only be possible to buy an in-app version of the weekly or monthly cards, which you have to show on your phone. This doesn't really affect me as I can cope with the change, although I would rather it had stayed the same. But not everybody wants to carry a phone all the time, not everybody has a smartphone, and not everybody who has one has their own data - some just use WiFi when they can get on it (which you can't on the buses in this area). Does anyone else think that making this new system compulsory is rather unfair, as it will force some people to make a lifestyle change they might not otherwise have wanted to (or pay more for their travel by buying single or day tickets)?

OP posts:
notanothercheesesandwich · 20/07/2025 19:13

I do think phasing out a physical card is difficult. My dd get the bus to college (over an hour each way) and a full day. If her battery dues she can't show her pass. Luckily this has only happened once and they gave her the benefit of the doubt. I find it a risky solution.

KrisAkabusi · 20/07/2025 19:08

Technology moves on. Would you rather a switch to an app or a fare increase?

I xant believe there's anyone with a smartphone that doesn't gave data included.

yakkity · 20/07/2025 19:06

This could be said for most technology roll outs. I find it hard to believe anyone who uses a monthly or annual travel pass doesn’t have a smart phone or have data

Silvertulips · 20/07/2025 19:05

They are looking at the majority.

There’s no need to bank cash, count cash etc

I do think they could use both for at least a while!