Fares in Greater Manchester will rise by an average of six per cent on Stagecoach buses.

The increases will come into force from next Sunday due to rising costs and a 74 per cent hike in fuel tax for buses.

However Stagecoach has protected regular bus users by keeping the increase on its weekly megarider ticket to 4 per cent.

Christopher Bowles, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We have had to make some very tough decisions, but we have worked hard to keep fares down for those who rely on the bus the most.”