A MAJOR bus operator has announced fares will increase again later this month – the second time in eight months.

Arriva blamed soaring diesel costs for the price hike, which will see some fares increase by almost eight per cent.

The company was due to put up its fares last Sunday, but has now delayed the move, with the increases coming in on July 21.

Most single fares will increase by 10p or 20p – with 80p and £1 adult fares remaining unchanged.

Nigel Featham, managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “Like all road users, Arriva is feeling the impact of increasing fuel costs and, despite planning ahead to get the best deal for fuel, we can’t escape the impact of record rises in oil prices.”

He said the company – which runs services between York and Selby and within Selby district – would minimise the effects of the increase with a new range of multi-journey tickets.

Mr Featham said day tickets across North Yorkshire would see a £1.20 price reduction, with weekly ticket prices falling 50p and four-weekly tickets falling £2.50. He said: “These offer great value cross-boundary travel, covering the whole of Arriva Yorkshire’s operating area.”

The increases come on the back of December’s “hefty” rises, when fares rose by an average of 6.8 per cent.