Bus fares in the West Midlands are being put up by 10 per cent in the new year, but the price of weekly travel cards is going down.

Travel West Midlands is increasing cash fares to offset rising fuel costs and a £16 million investment for 120 new vehicles.

Prices of day tickets (DaySaver) are being frozen at £3 and a trial price cut has also been announced on weekly travel cards, taking their price from £12.50 to £11.95.

From January 1, 2008, an adult short hop ticket will cost £1.10 instead of £1, and a standard fare will go up to £1.50 from £1.40.

Neil Barker, acting cheif executive at Travel West Midlands, said it was hoped cutting prices on the travel cards would encourage people to leave cars at home. "We are doing our bit and putting the needs of our passengers first. This will also deliver for the region in terms of congestion and the environment, We will also continue to improve cleanliness and boost the safety measures on our buses."

Bus passengers were left furious when fares spiralled by 25 per cent in January 2007. The rises were branded "outrageous" by passenger groups. Transport companies have been hit in the pocket with spiralling costs at the fuel pumps.

This article originally appeared in the Express and Star on Monday Decmber 3, 2007