Bus fares to rise over fuel cost

Reading Buses has introduced a fleet of bio-ethanol vehicles

A bus company in Berkshire has said it has been forced to put up fare prices due to the rising cost of fuel.

From Monday, adult fares on Reading Buses will rise by 10p in the Greater Reading urban area.

All child fares will remain unchanged although all return adult tickets will become £3 Busabout tickets, allowing multiple use of the ticket in a day.

Adult and child fares on rural services will go up by 10p on shorter journeys and 20p on longer distance fares.

The move comes despite the company recently introducing a fleet of 13 bio-ethanol double-decker buses, which run on fuel made from sugar beet waste.

James Freeman, the company's chief executive, warned of future fare rises.

"Even though our fleet of new buses are highly fuel efficient and green, fuel is still one of our biggest costs," he said.

"We have no alternative but to increase our prices."

"The rapid rise in fuel prices means that a further rise in fares is inevitable before the end of 2008."

An adult single will now cost £1.60 while a Busabout ticket will cost £3.