Vouchers for Black Country and Staffordshire passengers when buses run out of change

Arriva bosses say too many customers are paying with notes for small fares, causing problems later in the day.

So they are now introducing a system where drivers will give out a 'change voucher' that must be used within four weeks.

It can be exchanged for a refund on a future trip or later in the journey if the driver's change box has been stocked up.

Or it can go towards payment next time they board a bus.

The voucher can also be exchanged for cash at any Arriva Travel Shop.

Arriva chiefs say they had spoken to passengers about the best way to solve the problem of drivers running out of change.

The new system will come into force today.

Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said: "Our drivers are only able to carry a limited amount of change, and at certain times of the day they often run out.

"This is because quite often we find that large numbers of customers wish to pay with notes, often for relatively small fares - in our experience however much change is carried it is often not enough."

Dan Flanagan, Arriva's local manager for Cannock and Stafford said: "We have listened to feedback from our customers that highlighted a need to introduce the change voucher to our range of fare collection.

"We're sure this will ensure our driving team to continue to provide excellent service to our customers and make bus travel even easier."

In March last year, selected single fares went up by 10p and the adult local day saver was increased from £6 to £6.20, with a child ticket going from £4 to £4.10. Bosses blamed the fares increase on rising bills.

It comes after nine new buses with wifi internet and leather seats were launched between Cannock and Walsall as bosses pump £1 million into the services.

The 'Sapphire' vehicles are among the first in the region and are being used on four routes through Cannock, Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Bloxwich and Walsall.