Bus fares to rise as fuel costs hit Arriva

Bus fares in Cannock Chase and Lichfield are set to rise between 10p and 20p on most journeys as company Arriva Midlands faces up to soaring bills.

Passengers across the area will face increases on most single fares while some saver tickets have been withdrawn, it has emerged.

The company said that it was increasing charges due to rising fuel prices and also increases in employment, insurance and energy costs.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, who represents Cannock North, one of the most deprived areas, said today the news was a blow.

He said the poorest residents were likely to be hit hardest adding: "This is a massive increase when you think bus fares are £1 or more, this is a 20 per cent increase or more."

He said the closure of St Aidam's Post Office in Pye Green would force people to use buses to travel to Cannock adding: "The bus companies are quick to increase fares but it can take the months to put them down. With the oil prices coming down a bit lately I would think they could hold off on this and see where the market is," he added.

The increases will take effect on Sunday when the firm axes tickets like: the Family Savers, Big Savers and Day Return tickets along with Area tickets in Walsall and Rugeley.

Keith Myatt, communications manager for Arriva Midlands, said: "We have tried hard to keep fare increases to a minimum."

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