Anger as Ludlow town centre bus fares to rise by 20%

New prices on the 701 and 722 – which also serves as the town's park and ride service – will take effect from Monday.

Adult fares will rise from a flat £1.25 fee from anywhere in the town to £1.50. For park and ride customers who get the 722 at Ludlow Eco Park the fare covers a return journey – but only one way for residents on the town's estates.

The changes, which have been brought in following a price review, have sparked fears among bus users that some people will struggle to afford the increased cost of travel.

Shropshire Council, which subsidises the service, said the price review was routine and added the new fares were still much cheaper than they would be if not subsidised.

The buses had received glowing reviews from customers after the services were taken over by Minsterley Motors last year.

Users described the firm's service as reliable, friendly and with good disabled access, and the company renewed its contract to run the buses in July.

Marie Pickup, a 79-year-old bus user who lives on Parys Road on the outskirts of town, said it all added up, especially for young parents accompanying their children to school who, at four journeys a day, would end up paying an extra £5 a week.

She said: "People on our estate use the buses every day and there is no return. I was speaking to a young mother just today and she told me she didn't think she could afford it – with her two children it will now be £50 a week for her.

"People come to the park and ride and we're very happy to see them but why should they get returns, and £4 family tickets, when we have been loyal to the buses and don't?

"I think it's really unfair. We're grateful to Minsterley Motors, the drivers are really helpful and on time, but there has been no discussion about this price rise, it all seems to have been done in a hurry."

Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, said: "Nobody let us councillors know this was happening, and nobody was asked for their opinion, and it is quite an increase. I'm really angry about it."

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Shropshire Council periodically reviews with the operator, the fare table and ticketing structure.

"This is a standard procedure across all such contracts, although those in Ludlow have not been reviewed recently due to the various changes in operator and the requirements for recent emergency cover.

"The percentage increase in fares is considered appropriate in the light of the increase in operators' costs."

He said it would ensure the buses stayed financially viable.

Ludlow buses were still cheaper than other contracted services, he said, with commercial Arriva routes at £2.20 minimum.