BUS users in Worcester have praised the introduction of £2 price caps on single bus fare tickets.

On January 1 bus companies across the UK introduced a £2 fare cap on single tickets, which will remain in place until March 31.

First Bus Worcestershire is one of many bus companies across the UK to benefit from the price cap.

A passenger who was waiting for her bus today in Worcester said: "It certainly can’t hurt with prices going up at the moment."

Another passenger echoed the same comments, saying how "times are getting tough" for people.

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She said: "It should help people out, times are getting tough for a lot of people and saving money is important.

A pensioner living in Claines said it was a shame to see First Bus pull out of the 37 service which served an area of Claines.

She said: "I use a bus pass so I don’t need to worry about paying for tickets.

"I feel like it’s a good thing but there have also been cut-off areas such as Claines which I feel is a major problem as it’s such a big area of Worcester.

Cllr Mel Allcott said the service had not been entirely cut off, and a new bus company was serving the route instead.

She said: "We haven't had the service cut, First Bus originally pulled out its 37 service which facilitates a part of Claines.

"Diamond Bus took over the route as part of its 303 service which is only available once every hour.

"People who use the Diamond Bus service will not be able to benefit as the company has not taken the offer from the government.

"Generally, I see buses as more of a community commodity and should have much more support as they are very important.

"The services in Worcester are often far from adequate and are a big issue that residents and myself would like to see improved."

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A statement from Diamond Bus on December 22 addressed the decision to not take part in the scheme.

It said:" We understand that during these difficult times, some of our existing passengers may be disappointed to hear that we will not be taking part in the scheme.

"However it is also our opinion that reducing fares now and then increasing fares again in April, would also create a negative effect on passenger opinion and risk potentially losing passengers later in the year.

"We believe that keeping our fares consistent is a better long-term goal. Therefore all of the Diamond Bus businesses fares will remain frozen at current prices."