(13 Feb 2017, 2:57 pm)Tamesider wrote The 7% is for Day, weekly and monthly tickets. Single fares went up slightly more modestly, but that assumes fare stages weren't moved at the same time.
The point about elasticity is that services are deteriorating fastest in low(er) car ownership areas, with "bus wars" (with reduced fares) reserved either for trendy areas with increasing affluence (commuters).
"Blagging a lift" is usually a non starter, as the car-less tend to be single, have fewer friends locally, and have different travelling patterns to car owning friends and relations. Also, and am not sure if this is still true today; Friends don't tend to offer lifts unless its likely to be returned "in kind".
Taxis: If you can afford regular taxi fares, you can afford a car! Again, the car-less don't usually travel to the same place at the same time as friends/relatives with a car.
Car parking: Obviously not relevant to the car-less, but I'm surprised parking at a rail station is so expensive. I think parking at Manchester Piccadilly is about £4 a day, but it might be more expensive before 0930ish on weekdays. Only Manchester Airport, Hospitals and some city centre Car parks charge large fees in GM. Where services are deteriorating in the poorer suburbs, most parking is free - thanks to Supermarkets.
Found a blog on First Manchester fares.
https://mancunian1001.wordpress.com/2016...re-freeze/
I'm not doubting what you are saying about the 7%, but I could only see it on the weekly ticket - using the figures provided. The monthly ticket was closer to a GNE increase.
However, I do like that bundle deal they're offering. The app is also available on Windows Phone!
https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/th...m-station/
Details of the parking costs at the station. The location of the station (at the top of a very steep hill), doesn't lend itself to parking in another car park.