Boycott the buses, urge campaigners

Transport campaigners across West Yorkshire are urging the boycotting of buses by commuters inLeeds, as part of a day of action against fare hikes across the region.

The aim of the Better Bus campaign group is to persuade service operators to take more care over fare increases and changes to timetables.Leedsstudents are amongst those worst hit by the continual rises.

 The day of action, set for Friday, follows two of the county's biggest bus companies - First and Arriva Yorkshire - raising ticket prices on January 2. First, which is the main operator inLeeds, increased fares by an average of 7% and Arriva added 20p to its £2.10, £2.30, £2.60 and £2.80 single fares.

  Better Bus wants travellers to donate the money they would have spend on West Yorkshire buses to charities, and suggested Leeds General Infirmary's Children's Heart Surgery Fund, Leeds Mencap and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

 "We are asking people to do this and make the firms sit up and take notice. We're getting feedback that indicates there's plenty of support out there for the idea," said campaigner Stuart Long.

 Copyright Press Association 2012