BUS passengers in Swindon have been hit by a ticket price hike which travel bosses have blamed on the Government.

Fares charged by Stagecoach West have been increased by around five per cent – with the cost of some tickets going up by 50p.

Stagecoach defended the rise and said that rising costs and a 74 per cent increase in fuel tax on buses have forced it into making the decision.

Ian Manning, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “These damaging Government cuts and tax hike, combined with rising costs, are having a direct impact on bus fares and services across England.

“We share the frustration of our passengers, many of whom are on some of the lowest incomes. Along with businesses, they are already being squeezed by higher bills and energy prices.

“We have had to take some very tough decisions, but we have worked hard to keep fares down for those who rely on the bus the most.

“Our bus services continue to offer a greener, smarter and better value way to travel and we will also continue to re-invest the income from fares in improvements for passengers.”

For Swindon passengers, the increase will see a seven-day Travelpass increase from £13 to £13.50 and the seven-day Travelcard Plus will increase from £15 to £15.50.

The company has frozen their adult Swindon Dayrider at £3.20.

Passengers have reacted with both anger and understanding in equal measures across the town.

Freda Larkham, 22, of Parks, uses a bus each day to travel to work.

She said: “I am angry that I will now be paying £2.50 more each week as that will stack up throughout the year. I do think that the cost of travel goes against the Government’s push to make us think greener.

“There is no justice in these hikes.”

But Sam Fairweather, 36, from Grange Park, said he felt for the bus company.

He said: “Although this is annoying, it is not the bus company’s fault – they have to carry the burden.

“I will have to pay more for travel now, but it could have been worse – I think a 50 pence increase is pretty reasonable.

“I think the Government needs to decide what its priorities are, especially in light of the recent petrol crisis.”

For further information about Stagecoach West bus services, please visit the website at www.stagecoachbus.com/west.