Stagecoach Oxford has announced fares on its buses serving Oxfordshire are being increased.

Most single fares have risen by about 10p. Return fares have gone up by about 20p on most routes.

The company said higher costs had forced the fares increase, but pointed out some customers would benefit.

Single fares on the Oxford to Witney route remained unchanged after west Oxfordshire councillors and customers lobbied the company.

Single fares on the routes from Rose Hill, Barton, Kidlington, Cutteslowe and Botley into the city centre also remain unchanged.

Some fares have fallen in price since the changes were introduced on October 19, including the maximum fare on the 7A route -- from Kidlington to Barton, via Summertown, the city centre, Brookes University and Headington, which has fallen by 15 per cent.

The Megarider ticket, offering unlimited travel in Oxford and to Abingdon, Kidlington and Eynsham, is to remain at £9 per week.

Stagecoach marketing manager David Whitley said family tickets would also remain frozen.

A new initiative for half-term allows children to travel free throughout Oxfordshire when accompanied by an adult until October 27.

Mr Whitley said: "Since last year our external costs have continued to rise well above inflation and we have worked hard to absorb these as far as possible.

"The easiest thing in the world would be to simply pass the cost on to our customers, but that simply isn't a realistic option in the long term.

"The new prices show we have thought very carefully about the issue of value, such that the package of measures will actually increase passengers overall."

Oxford Bus Company fares rose by an average of 7.5 per cent last week.

It also said higher operating costs were to blame, but added that roadworks in Oxford had eaten into profits on park-and-ride services over the summer.

Its fares increase were also needed to pay for a 4.1per cent pay rise to be awarded to drivers from October 28.

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