TRANSPORT bosses have warned that ticket prices on some of Suffolk's bus services could rise by as much as 10% because of spiralling fuel costs.A spokesman for First Group, which owns bus company First Eastern Counties, confirmed it was a “definite possibility” travel costs could increase as a result of a hike in petrol prices.

TRANSPORT bosses have warned that ticket prices on some of Suffolk's bus services could rise by as much as 10% because of spiralling fuel costs.

A spokesman for First Group, which owns bus company First Eastern Counties, confirmed it was a “definite possibility” travel costs could increase as a result of a hike in petrol prices.

He said that while the company would try its best to absorb any extra costs passengers would see a 10% rise in the price of a ticket within six months if the situation did not improve.

“First Group had their half year profit results on Thursday and it was decided that because of additional pressures to buses, including but not exclusively the rising price of fuel, we would have to raise fares and pass some of the costs to our passengers,” he said.

“We have made no specific announcement and there is no set timescale but we have to acknowledge that this is something that could happen. Within the next six months it is a real definite possibility that customers will see rises in the region of 10%.

“In the meantime we are going to start a number of cost-cutting exercises and try to absorb as many of the rises as we can by reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency measures.”

Meanwhile fares on the 200 Suffolk County Council sponsored bus services will be revised from Monday.

The countywide fares review, which was the first for eight years, will see the average ticket increase by 9% although some will remain the same and others will drop.

A new weekly ticket, which will allow passengers to make unlimited journeys on county council sponsored services between two specified points over a seven day period, has also been introduced for regular customers.

Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council portfolio holder for roads and transport, said: “The countywide review of fares made it clear that there were many inconsistencies. I hope the new fare scale will be more understandable as it is based on distance travelled.”

For more information or to request a copy of the free updated area timetable book call 0845 606667 or visit www.suffolkonboard.com.

n Bus times are now available straight to your mobile phone by texting the code for a particular bus stop to 84268, charged at the normal network rate and the return text is free. To find the number of your nearest bus stop visit www.traveline.org.uk or phone 0870 608 2 608