COMMUTERS will be hit with bus fare increases in the new year.

First, which operates the majority of Essex’s buses, has blamed the rise on rising fuel and mechanical parts for its vehicles.

Information on what single and return fares will go up by will be released at the end of the month, but the company has announced a series of increases for its long-term tickets.

In Basildon, day tickets for travel out of the borough will rise 20p to £6.20, while weekly travel will go up £1 to £25.

Monthly tickets are now priced £88.

Inner-town travel in Basildon will remain the same.

In Southend, daily tickets will rise 10p to £3.60, while monthly tickets will rise £2 to £44.

A spokesman for First said: “The current economic climate is extremely challenging, particularly for transport providers.

“Costs on fuel and parts for vehicles have risen dramatically in recent years and it’s always regrettable when customers are impacted negatively by fare revisions such as these.”

For a full list of fare changes, visit www.firstgroup.

com/ukbus/essex or call 08456 020121.