BUS users in Thurrock will face some increased fares in the new year. Arriva Southern Counties bus service has announced it will be revising fares to reflect increasing costs including employment, insurance and fuel.

In addition, Transport for London (TfL) is increasing single fares of £1 to £1.20 which will affect those services provided by Arriva under contract to TfL.

Kevin Hawkins, commercial director for Arriva said: "We have worked hard to keep increases to a minimum; however rises in employment costs and fuel, in particular, have meant we need to increase some fares.

"The introduction of a new range of Day, Weekly and 4-weekly tickets will continue to offer value for money for regular travellers."

There will be: *No change to single fares of £1.30, £1.40 £1.60 and £1.70

*Other single fares to increase by 10p

*Return fares to increase by 10p or 20p

Introduction of new value for money Day, Weekly and 4-Weekly tickets:- Arriva Thurrock Day ticket gives unlimited travel all day on Arriva buses within the Thurrock Council area. Adult £3, Senior Citizen (not before 9am Mon to Fri) £1.50

Arriva Thurrock Plus ticket gives unlimited travel in the Thurrock area plus the entire route of the 370 and 373 between Grays and Romford.

Thurrock Weekly ticket: Adult £11; Thurrock 4-weekly ticket: Adult £36; Thurrock Plus Day ticket; Adult £4.50; Thurrock Plus weekly ticket: £17; Thurrock Plus 4-weekly: Adult £58