MPs urge u-turn on bus fare rise

The company is putting up the cost of tickets in January

Sheffield MPs are calling for action to stop an 8% increase in bus fares which they have said would hit those on lowest incomes the hardest.

The cost of travelling on First buses across South Yorkshire is set to rise in the new year.

MPs Clive Betts, Richard Caborn and Angela Smith have tabled a Commons motion calling for a rethink.

Operator First said rising fuel, utilities and staff costs had forced it to make the decision.

The MPs said the rises were unacceptable and have called on South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority to intervene.

The most significant impact on our costs in 2009 is the change in the price we pay for fue Brandon Jones, First Group managing director

In the motion they said the increases would "hit those on low incomes the hardest" and would "offer further encouragement to the long-term decline in bus usage in the city".

Both Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors on Sheffield City Council have also condemned the rise and cited the need to get more people on public transport.

In a statement, the First Group company said the cost of fuel bought in advance had affected their business.

Managing director Brandon Jones said: "Fares have to be set at a level which cover our anticipated costs for the medium term.

"The most significant impact on our costs in 2009 is the change in the price we pay for fuel."

The company's statement then explains the fuel had been bought in advance and the costs would "rise significantly".

First also said it had invested in new buses, staffing and CCTV on the vehicles.

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