Action! Cut the cost of bus to cinema for Bristol teenagers
Changes in the timetable for the 309 service means it is now possible for people in Thornbury and Alveston to see evening films at the Venue at Cribbs Causeway and still get home by bus.
But the fares charged could deter people from using it, especially teenagers having to pay a full adult rate.
Now Northavon MP Steve Webb has appealed for a reduction in the bus fare so people can make the most of the newly re-routed bus instead of going by car.
He said the price of a regular cinema ticket for an evening screening was £7.40, while youngsters aged 13-18 paid £5.90.
The adult return fare from Thornbury to Cribbs Causeway is £5.70, with those aged 15 and under paying £4.30.
Mr Webb said that meant a 16-year-old paying the full adult fare would be spending nearly as much on the bus fare as admission to see a film.
The change to the bus route means the 309 – which leaves the centre of Bristol at 10.50pm – now stops at the Venue at 11.16pm, before continuing to Alveston and Thornbury. The late night service is subsidised by South Gloucestershire Council.
Mr Webb said: "The decision to route the late night 309 service via the Mall is entirely welcome but First needs to go further if this service is to be well used.
"Many of those who might use this service will typically be relatively young or on relatively low incomes.
"The cost of a cinema ticket is large enough, but if it is almost doubled by adding in the bus fare this will discourage bus use among those who might use it most. Bus fares in this area are too high in general, but First should look in particular at this service to see if a lower fare would stimulate greater use."
Meanwhile, talks are currently taking place between South Gloucestershire Council and bus companies on a pilot scheme, which could start in January, to introduce cheaper fares for teenagers.
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