BUS passengers have hit out against a rise in fares.

Thamesdown Transport will be increasing prices for children and students from Monday on all urban routes.

The company says the increases are unavoidable because of the rising costs it has been forced to pay.

The flat fare for children will increase from 70p to 80p.

The company will be stopping all return tickets for adults and children on all routes, including the hospital service.

And the prices for students are also going to change.

The price of a Student Travelpass will increase from £20 to £25 per month and the Student Travelpass Plus will rise from £28 to £30 per month.

Managing director Paul Jenkins said: "We continue to face increasing costs which we have been unable to absorb completely and we need to ask some customers to pay a little more.

"Bus travel in Swindon still remains great value for money, particularly as customers can switch to unlimited travel tickets, such as the Travelpass at £11 per week."

But passengers are unhappy with the rises.

Peter Reynolds, of Moredon Park, said: "How the bus company can force these very high prices onto the unfortunate people who rely on the buses beggars belief but I suppose someone has to pay for the free passes and the new bus depot.

"Perhaps a person from Thamesdown bus company could explain why the exorbitant rise in prices are being introduced onto an unsuspecting public and way above inflation, particularly the hospital service."

Julie Morgan, who lives in the town centre, cannot see the logic behind the increases.

The 41-year-old secretary, said: "It's an unnecessary expense.

"It's bad enough as it is without it going up. I thought public transport was supposed to be cheap."

Other passengers feel the firm is unfairly targeting certain groups.

Graham Jenkins, a 64-year-old golf consultant, of the town centre, said: "It's yet another hidden rise, having single fares and not being able to get a return.

"I'm not affected but it's completely unfair on those who are. I think it's unwarranted."

And another passenger thinks the rises will mean more cars will take to the road to avoid the higher charges.

Gabby Lipska, 38, an administration worker for Nationwide, said: "It's unfair, especially for children."

The Pembroke Park resident added: "It means they are going to be relying on parents for lifts and this is going to mean more cars on the road, which I thought they were trying to reduce."