FARES on Stagecoach buses in East Cambridgeshire are set to rise by an average of five per cent from April 1, it was announced this week.

The company, which operates dozens of routes across the district, blamed an rising costs and a 3p “hike” in Government fuel tax on buses.

The operator added that a 20 per cent cut in its bus service operators grant from the Government had also played a part in the rise.

Andy Campbell, managing director of Stagecoach East, 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. 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.”

Under the new pricing structure, a Cambridgeshire Dayrider Plus will rise from �5.40 to �5.70, a Cambirdgeshire Megarider Plus will increase from �21.50 to �22.50 a Family Dayrider will increase from �6 to �6.50 and a park and ride return will go from �2.40 to �2.50.

Littleport resident Amanda Loftus was furious with the price hike, she said: “I live in Littleport and the bus service is terrible. We have buses every two hours after 7.22am and the last bus back to Littleport from Cambridge, where I work, is at 6.10pm at night.

“The bus fares will rise on April 1 to �22.50 a week and to �5.70 for a dayrider, the service has not improved if anything it has got worse. When you contact Stagecoach about the service, they don’t seem to care.”

For further information about Stagecoach East bus services, visit: www.stagecoachbus.com/east