COMMUTERS in Chester are facing further fare misery after they were hit with an increase in bus ticket prices.
The move comes only a week after those who use Chester Railway Station were slammed with some of the highest train fare increases in the country.
Fares on First buses have risen by as much as seven per cent across the Chester and Birkenhead areas, which the company claims will help it cope with rising fuel prices.
It is the first time fares have gone up since March 2010, but First claims the rising costs to the business has resulted “in the need for an average rise broadly in line with inflation”.
Regional manager Dave Alexander said: “We appreciate nobody likes it when prices go up but we have worked hard to keep increases to a minimum by introducing savings within our business to offset cost increases.
“Despite some of these price changes, the cost of travel on a First bus still represents great value for money, and customers with a monthly ticket can continue to travel within Chester for less than £1.70 per day.”
Tickets have also gone up with Arriva Bus Company, with the Deeside zone saver day ticket increasing by 20p to £3.90, and the weekly from £15 to £16.
Debra Heaton, marketing manager, added: “The North West Area Day ticket has increased from £4.40 to £4.60, and the weekly from £17 to £18.
“As single fares have not changed, there has not been a wholesale per cent increase in ticket prices. The multi-journey tickets only have been increased in the Chester area.”
Meanwhile, fares on the regional rail network rose by an average of 5.4 per cent, while passengers at Chester railway station were faced with increases as much as 11 per cent.
One of the highest rises in the UK was on the Chester to Crewe line, which increased by 10.6 per cent.
The cost of travelling from Chester to Liverpool on an anytime return ticket also went up to £10.40 from £9.70, a 7.2 per cent increase.
And the Chester to Manchester season ticket will now cost an extra £182, a total of £2,462.