FARES on the bus service linking Ludlow Town Centre and the park and ride at the Eco Park have gone up.

The increases of up to 25 per cent have angered Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North on Shropshire Council, who subsidies to service that is operated by Minsterley Motors.

Andy Boddington says that the hike in fares that were introduced on Monday (September 21) come at a time when diesel prices are falling.

“This sudden price leap astounds and angers me,” said Andy Boddington.

“Have fuel costs gone up by 25 per cent in the last year? The cost of fuel is down. On March 31, 2014, diesel was 136p a litre. A year later it was 119p. Currently it is lower.

“Are drivers’ wages being raised? No, they are being cut by the operator.

“Have passengers fallen? Not that I can see and I use the 722 most days.

“The projected cost of subsidising the service this financial year is £85,175 against £91,271 last year.

“A seven per cent reduction in subsidy along with falling wage and fuel costs doesn’t seem to add up to a hike in fares that the huge fare hikes we are facing.

“This price rise was negotiated in secret without any reference to the town council, the ‘In and Out of Ludlow’ forum or unitary councillors. It is typical of the completely secretive way Shropshire Council has dealt with Ludlow buses for years.

“Times are tough. Public funding of public transport is reducing rapidly. The best way we can handle this is by working together, with good communication and trying to find common ground.”

Ludlow’s three unitary councillors, Andy Boddington, Tracey Huffer and Vivienne Parry have asked for an urgent meeting with Simon Jones, the Shropshire Council portfolio holder for transport.

The new fares on the Park and Ride are £1.50 adult return, £1 child return, £4 family return (two adults and up to three children) and £1.20 concessionary travel return.