A BUS company has blamed 'congestion' and increasing journey times for having to increase fares on its buses.

Stagecoach confirmed today that prices will go up in Oxford with single fares increasing by 10p and returns by 20p.

On the Oxford Tube service to London prices will also rise for the first time since 2015, with a single going up by £1. Return fares have been cut by £1 but the cheaper next day return option has been scrapped.

The company said it was freezing the cost of other tickets including the '7 day megarider' and introducing new deals.

Children will now go free on 'connector' tickets which allows travel on local services to connect to and from the Oxford Tube stops.

Other changes will also see a group ticket changed to be valid for three adults who can travel together at the discounted price.

Martin Sutton, Managing Director of Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, said: "We have worked hard to reduce our costs and keep fare increases down to a minimum, and many people, particularly Oxford SmartZone customers, will see no increase at all.

"However, due to the effects of worsening congestion and falling journey speeds our operating costs are rising and therefore our prices have to increase to compensate for this.”

The changes will come into effect from Sunday, April, 29.