A BUS firm has admitted it must 'reluctantly' increase fares despite promising passengers it would not do so.

Bluestar managing director Andrew Wickham has confirmed the bus company is now charging more on some services due to inflation.

In November last year Bluestar said it had ‘no plans’ to alter fares after announcing it would be taking over City Red routes in February 2023.

Mr Wickham said: “Bluestar stepped in earlier this year to provide services for parts of Southampton which would have been without buses, following the withdrawal of First Bus in the city. 

“We stated at the time that we had no plans to increase fares - despite First Bus confirming that their services had been ‘unsustainable for some considerable time.’

“Since then, inflation has risen, and we have reluctantly reacted to this with an increase to some of our fares.”

He added: “Our team has worked hard to minimise any rises but have also had to consider the rising cost of our operation here.

“Like every bus operator, we cannot say for sure that our costs won’t increase further and, likewise, we can’t guarantee there won’t be any increase in fares at some point in the future.

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Daily Echo:

“However, our customers can be assured that we will do all we can to ensure this is not the case.”

Though some of Bluestar’s fares have increased – the national Government £2 single journey initiative has been extended from October 31 to December 31.

As part of the latest revisions Bluestar also confirmed it would end the production of its seven-day adult paper ticket, on Wednesday, November 1.

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: “This is to be kinder to the environment and also to address some fraud issues that we have experienced.

“We are still offering our seven-day ticket via our app - which is also great for journey planning and tracking your bus in real time.

“Seven-day fare capping is also available on-board with tap on, tap off which is paperless, and receipts can be obtained from our online portal, should anyone require one.”

Bluestar passenger, Joanne Cook, 50, told the Echo: “I think it’s wrong as there’s going to be a lot of passengers who will struggle with the adjustment.

“Some people will need help.”