Bus fares to increase
Bus fares are being increased by up to five per cent by a firm that runs services across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
But passengers in Stafford will actually see the price of a ticket go down.
The increases on Arriva routes come into force on Monday with selected fares going up by 10p.
Bosses have blamed rising costs of insurance, parts and wages - but insist they are also pumping money into improving their fleet.
And they say a number of fares and saver tickets have been frozen.
The Stafford tickets have been reduced by 5p to encourage more people to use the services after the town was hit by a series of roadworks.
Outside Stafford, the £2, £2.10, £2.20, £2.40, £2.60. £2.80. £3 and £3.40 tickets will all increase by 10p.
Children's £1.40, £1.55, £1.70, £2.10 and £2.40 tickets will rise by 5p, while £1.45, £1.80 and £1.95 fares go up by 10p.
In Stafford, a £2, £2.40 and £2.90 ticket will all be 10p cheaper, while £2.10 fares go down to £1.90.
Child £1.40 tickets will be £1.35, and £1.45, £1.70 and £2.05 fares go down by 10p.
Arriva spokesman Keith Myatt said: "We want to get people to see buses as a viable alternative to their cars, and hopefully we can help free up the often gridlocked roads around Stafford."
The company's west area director Rob Cheveaux said: "We have kept those fares that are increasing to a minimum and have worked hard to ensure many fares have actually been frozen such as the popular Cannock Day Saver at £4.20.
"The increase in those adult single fares that have had to rise, has been kept to 10p, whilst child single fares may increase by either 5p or 10p.
"The price rise will allow us to continue our significant investment in new fleet and meet rising business costs including insurance, wages and parts."
The firm unveiled a £1 million fleet of buses last October to be used on routes between Cannock and Walsall.
The buses include power points to charge phones and laptops, free wifi, and leather seats.
They are running on four routes through Cannock, Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Bloxwich and Walsall.
National Express West Midlands increased its fares by five per cent on January 2.Adult single tickets went from £2.10 to £2.20.
Chiefs said the new fares will support record investment into the region's bus network in 2015, including £34 million on new buses.
