THOUSANDS of Hampshire bus passengers reeling from cuts in services have been hit by the third price hike in just eight months.

First Southampton has been criticised for increasing the cost of journeys several times above the inflation rate.

Most routes will increase by an average of 5p from Sunday.

The company, which runs services across the city and also to Totton, Romsey and Hamble, blames the hike on vandalism and fuel and staff costs.

City transport chief Cllr Richard Williams said: "These rises have been on average about twice a year and it seems that this is their policy.

"We are talking increases of up to four times the rate of inflation over the year because inflation is less than three per cent but the bus fares are rising by over 10p a year on journeys on average between 80p and 90p.

"The bus company will say that their costs have risen but the truth is that fuel has not gone up in the past six months.

"There is no need for these fare rises every six months or so but I anticipate that they will continue.

"We are desperately keen to bring in new services but when they are being cut and prices are increasing there is no incentive."

Betty Shiers, treasurer of the Southampton Pensioners Forum, said: "I deplore any increase.

"At the moment the pensioners in Southampton are having their own little battle really because we've heard that the pensioners' 20p could be increased.

"We put a question to the council last week and now we are waiting for a reply. I think everybody's getting fed up with First Bus."

A First Southampton spokeswoman said: "The increase is due to ever-rising costs, in particular because of an escalation in vandalism to its vehicles and rising fuel and staff costs.

"Zone-six season tickets, all-zone season tickets, student season tickets, £2 day rover ticket and the minimum 40p adult single fare remain unchanged.

"A new 12-tripper ticket allowing 12 trips within four weeks for £10 is to be introduced.

"Other fares will increase on average by just 5p."

The firm recently announced that its X27 motorway service between Southampton and Portsmouth was being axed.