Crookall: 'Increasing school bus fares had to be done'

The increase is expected to generate £45,000 a year

Increasing bus fares for children travelling to and from school ‘had to be done’, according to the infrastructure minister.

Tim Crookall has defended a 25 percent hike in costs for users of the ‘Go School’ travel cards which was implemented on 21 February.

Journeys have risen to 50 pence each way.

The increase is expected to generate an additional £45,000 a year for the DoI and cost parents an extra £39 a year per child.

Mr Crookall told Manx Radio’s political correspondent Phil Gawne his department’s finances are under constant review: