Bus fares are rising in Keighley in the New Year.

Transdev Keighley & District said the move – which comes into effect on January 4 – is in response to “changes in passenger patterns, rising costs and the difficult economic climate”.

Director of business development Nigel Eggleton said: “Some fares will rise by less than five per cent but a small number of ticket prices will increase by more.

“We believe that our fares still offer great value for money. For example a day’s unlimited travel throughout the Keighley area only costs £4. That’s great news for people looking to reduce their reliance on the car.

“No-one likes to have to change their prices but we believe the decisions we’ve taken will ensure we can safeguard our network of services and continue to offer our passengers a first class modern bus service.”

He said the firm had seen a big increase in its operating costs such as wages, insurance and overheads.

He added: “The recent drop in oil prices has brought costs down a little but we are still paying much more than we were last year. Whilst we welcome the Chancellor’s decision to hold fuel duty for the time being, we are still faced with the prospect of a further two pence per litre increase next April.

“We think it’s vital that we maintain the high quality of our services and the current frequencies during what are difficult times for our passengers and be able to continue to invest in our services.”

Mr Eggleton said Transdev Keighley & District had invested almost £1.5 million in new buses over the past two years.