A BUS company has announced fare rises which will come into effect on Sunday (January 6).

Arriva North East bosses say a number of fares will be increased so it can maintain its investment at current levels.

However, all adult single ticket prices under £2, all adult returns under £3, weekly tickets in Durham and multi-journey tickets in the Cramlington zone will be unchanged.

Adult singles and returns below £4.60 will increase by under 10p. Above £4.60, they will increase by under 20p.

A new County Durham zone will be introduced, with Arriva bosses saying it will ensure passengers get the very best value for money.

A ten per cent discount is available on the firm’s four weekly tickets when they are bought via its website.

Nick Knox, the company’s area managing director, said: “Arriva North East is committed to providing value for money fares and high service standards.

“This can be a difficult balance to maintain and current economic pressures mean that in order to maintain investment at current levels we need to increase a number of fares.”

For more information, visit arrivabus.co.uk