A BUS firm running services across Huddersfield has announced a freeze on fares.
First, which is the leading bus operator in West Yorkshire, said it was freezing prices in a bid to increase passenger numbers.
The decision means its range of bus tickets will be held at current prices – although the company gave no indication how long prices would be pegged.
A First spokesman said it meant a passenger would still be able to travel for just £2.10 a day – based on the £63 cost of a monthly ticket over a 30-day calendar month.
He said that represented a “very competitive” price compared to the cost of running a car when parking charges and fuel costs were taken into account.
The spokesman said: “We are happy to announce that we will be freezing the price of our fares.
“A comprehensive price freeze on all our tickets makes them value for money, especially at a time when fuel is expensive and people are returning to work after the Christmas period.”
The move comes as rail passengers across the UK faced inflation-busting fare rises on their return to work.
Regulated rail fares, including season tickets, have risen by an average of 4.2%. The average increase for all fares is 3.9%.
Campaigners said it is the 10th successive above-inflation annual rise – with some fares having increased by more than 50% in the last 10 years.
Many of the inflation-busting fare rises took effect from Wednesday on routes in West Yorkshire - with a Leeds to Wakefield season ticket rising by more than 6%.
Regulated fares, which include season tickets, are increasing by an average of 4.2%, with the overall average rise for all tickets being 3.9%.
The TUC has said that fares have risen far faster than wages since the recession in 2008.
Train companies can put some season tickets up by more than 4.2% as long as the overall average does not exceed 4.2%. So, for example, a Leeds to Wakefield season ticket is rising 6.16%, while a Ludlow to Hereford season ticket is increasing by 5.28%
