OXFORD: The Oxford Bus Company last night announced fare increases – blaming running costs including rising fuel prices.

The hike affects the red City, park-and-ride, and BrookesBus services.

Some single fares will increase by 20p, with the highest increase to a return fare being 30p.

The announcement follows increases revealed earlier this week for some SmartZone season tickets.

The SmartZone season tickets were introduced last year as part of a joint ticketing arrangement between Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach and Thames Travel on key routes in Oxford.