PASSENGERS have given a big thumbs-down to the New Year increases in fares introduced by bus operator First.

The increases, which were revealed by the Evening Press last month, officially took effect on January 1.

But no services were run by the James Street-based company until yesterday.

Commuter Sam Brazer, 17, of Strensall, said: "It's not very good for people my age - it means I'm less likely to use the bus.

"You look at the price increases and then at your payslip, and you have to wonder whether you can afford to get to work in the morning."

Bari Abdul, of Poppleton, said: "What about those who depend on the bus? I'm not happy about it.

"The monthly ticket prices haven't gone up, but not everyone can afford to pay for those tickets up front. I bought my weekly ticket just before the fares went up - the ticket prices go up, but our wages don't."

Several people waiting for buses yesterday were unaware that fares had been raised.

One passenger, who did not want to be named, said: "No one knew this morning - everyone got on the bus without enough money. I had to lend one woman 50p."

Reg Parker, of Dunnington, said: "It doesn't affect us older passengers, but it's gone up a lot for younger people, especially children.

"Although it hasn't affected us, it has our grandchildren. I think it's appalling really."

Lucy Hillsden, of Acomb, said: "I can't afford to be paying those kind of prices. I think it's disgusting. I have a car but I use the bus because it's supposed to be cheaper. I'm not sure it is anymore."

First has blamed increased costs for its decision to put up ticket prices. Commercial director Peter Edwards said last month: "The massive increases in the price of fuel have been well publicised, but we have also been faced with increased costs of labour, insurance and vehicle maintenance to the point where we are now forced to pass these on to our customers.

Mr Edwards said the company had revised its fare structures to encourage more people to buy their tickets in advance from city centre pay points.

He said: "As more people do it, everybody will benefit from quicker journeys, as less time is spent at bus stops waiting for somebody to pay with a £20 note."

Under the new fares structure, a First Day ticket has risen from £2.50 to £3.

A one zone single is increased from 60p to £1. A First Week ticket goes up £1 from £11 to £12, while a monthly ticket remains at £40.

For children, a single now costs £1 - instead of 60p - and a First Day ticket rises from £1.20 to £2.

A First Week ticket is £8, up from £5.50, and a First Month ticket increases from £20 to £30 - or a 50 per cent increase. Park&Ride is not affected.

Updated: 09:46 Tuesday, January 03, 2006