COMMUTERS travelling on Arriva buses are paying the price for the company's decision to scrap its return fares warns a traveller.

The firm discontinued the cost-cutting tickets in Warrington over the bank holiday weekend.

The disgruntled passenger says the decision means the cost of going from Birchwood to the town centre and back, which was £1.80, is now £2.60. This amounts to £13 for people using the bus to and from work five days a week - an extra £4.

The bus company offers an £11.99 weekly pass which would save these travellers £1 a week, says the Birchwood woman, but they will still be paying £3 more without the return fares.

"I understand these figures are not a vast amount of money, but even so, for some people, every penny counts," said the woman who has asked not to be named. "I find getting rid of return fares stupid and can't see how it is warranted.

"This is not encouraging more people to use public transport instead of their cars. It is now cheaper and quicker for me to use my car and I cannot see how people currently using their vehicles will be encouraged to change."

A spokesman for Arriva pointed out that the majority of bus users make shorter trips costing 90p or less.

He said: "We made a commercial decision to discontinue return fares in Warrington to bring the area into line with our general charging structure for the rest of Arriva North West.

"Savings on the standard fares can still be made for many journeys with the Day Rider, which gives a day's unlimited travel for £2.99 adult or £1.49 child and concessionary bus pass holders, or the Best Ticket which gives seven days' travel for £11.99."

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