PASSENGER journeys have increased since First Southamp-ton changed its network - but only because many people have to catch two buses instead of one, it is claimed.

Joseph Wright claims he and his wife Geraldine, both 70, are among "hundreds" of pensioners forced to make an extra bus trip to reach the shops, doctor or hospital since the company changed its network.

Mr Wright, of Exford Avenue, Harefield, said: "We used to use a No 9 bus to take us to the doctor at Shirley or the General Hospital, but now we have to get a No 3 to town and then another bus to the hospital.

"We live in one of four blocks of flats for pensioners and everyone's in the same situation.

"First Southampton is saying passenger journeys have increased. It's obvious they have because, whereas before my wife and I went on one journey from Harefield to the hospital, now we have to go on two bus journeys to get there. We used to pay 80p for a round trip to Shirley or the hospital for the two of us, but now we pay £1.60.

"By the end of the week we've paid £3.20 more than we used to.

"We used to have a satisfactory service and now we have not."

Sandra Smith, chief officer for Southampton Age Concern, said: "Older people, who are on a fixed income, are having to pay more for their bus service than they were before. This is a further indication that the bus services in the city are not meeting the needs of older people."

The Daily Echo made repeated attempts to contact First South-ampton but nobody was available for comment.