THE price of travelling on Arriva buses will go up this weekend due to Government funding cuts and a rise in fuel tax, the company says.

The cost of single fares will rise by between 10p and 40p from Sunday, with returns also set to be affected by the company’s price review.

The firm says it faces increased operational costs as a result of the Government deciding to slash the Bus Service Operators Grant by 20 percent and the planned three pence rise on fuel duty.

Paul Adcock, MD for Arriva the Shires, said: “The reasons given in our customer information are the causes of our fare increase and we have had to review the fares we charge. 

"We appreciate that people are finding things tough with increases to energy bills, fuel and much more, regrettably though, these things all affect our own business. 

"We have tried to keep the increase to a minimum and our day, week and 4 weekly tickets are not increasing”

Wycombe Labour leader Councillor Victoria Groulef fears the price hike will severely hit the pockets of commuters and south Buckinghamshire families.

She said: “Arriva has directly blamed Government policy [for this price change].

“Transport costs need to be kept low in order for ordinary families to travel to and from work.

“This latest rise in bus fares will further squeeze the incomes of those already feeling the pinch. Meanwhile, the Government still continues with a tax break for those earning millions.”

Single fares across the Arriva network will increase based on the following guidelines issued by the company:

Trips that cost £1.00 - £2.70 will increase by 10p or 20p.

£2.80 - £4.50 journeys will go up by 10p-30p.

Bus users currently paying £4.60 will have to find another 20p-40p.

However, Arriva has frozen the cost of its day, week and four weekly saver tickets, and kept the ten percent discount for people purchasing four weekly tickets online or via their phones.