BUS fares have been increased by Stagecoach for customers in Surrey,Hampshire and West Sussex.

A single from Haslemere to Guildford now costs £5.50 with £7.10 for a return.

A Dayrider Gold is £8.20, which offers a day’s unlimited bus travel across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, and a week’s Megarider Gold ticket is £23, which gives seven days unlimited bus travel across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. All fares after 7pm are £2.50 with the nightrider ticket.

It is the first time the company has reviewed ticket prices since May 2015 and Stagecoach blamed the higher rate of inflation.

Edward Hodgson, managing director for Stagecoach South said: “We have done our best to protect our customers by keeping prices as low as possible and while some fares will increase, many will remain at current prices.

“Stagecoach has three times been independently found to have the best value bus fares in Britain and we have taken action to hold our prices for as long as possible despite the fact that bus industry costs have been rising at a higher rate than inflation over several years.

“Even with these latest changes, bus travel remains significantly cheaper than commuting by car.

“Our bus services continue to offer a greener, smarter and better value way to travel. We are continuing to use the money we get from fares to reinvest in improvements for our customers including new vehicles, wifi, smart ticketing, real time bus information, a comprehensive website and more recently we have introduced a new app featuring mobile ticketing.”

• The future of the ‘lifeline’ Hambledon No. 503 bus service operated by Stagecoach remains in doubt if further subsidy cuts are demanded by county councillors next month.

Hambledon parish councillor Stewart Payne said: “The struggle to maintain funding for rural services was outlined at a meeting between representatives of Hambledon and Busbridge parish councils, Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Hoppa community transport,”

“The parish councils had pressed for the meeting in the hope of securing the long-term future of the No. 503 and the nearby No. 523 Milford Hospital route.

“The 503 and 523 routes are operated by Stagecoach and the contracts for the services ends in August.

“Both routes, which require significant subsidy from Surrey County Counil have survived two recent cash-saving reviews.

“However, Laurie James, the county’s bus service planning manager, explained the authority was facing further central government funding cuts and has yet to announce its budget for this year’s bus subsidies.”