BUS giant Stagecoach has announced an increase in fares across their network this week while will hit customers in Largs, Fairlie, West Kilbride and Skelmorlie in the pocket.

The company have revealed that there will be an increase of 10p on single journey fares - but have frozen prices on other tickets.

Commuters say the decision to keep return fares at the same level is a 'relief' as they already forking out £10 for a return to Greenock before 9am.

One traveller said: "Considering the heating was broken on these buses for quite a while, the fare, in my mind, is already at its maximum.

"It would have been unfair to hit travellers in the pocket again at peak times when people have no option to head out later as they need to get to their work before 9am."

Single fares between Fairlie and Largs will increase to £2.30, while return fares between the likes of Largs and West Kilbride singles will be £3.50 (£4.90 return).

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “From this week, Stagecoach West Scotland single bus fares will increase by 10p as we look to improve and upgrade our services. All other fares including returns, dayrider and megarider bus tickets across our Ayrshire, Arran and Glasgow networks will remain at their current prices.

“Stagecoach operate a fleet of 395 buses and have made major investment introducing new buses in local areas, all of which are fully accessible and meet the latest Euro emission standards. During 2018 further investment was made to introduce contactless payment systems throughout West Scotland.

“We want to provide customers with the best value travel we can while also ensuring we are able to continue operating a stable bus network over the longer term. We do our absolute best to keep prices as low as possible as we continue to face rising costs and reduced public sector investment in buses.”

The price increases also affects customers in Wemyss Bay.

Earlier this year passengers complained after passengers were left 'freezing' on the local service after a heating failure on one their services during the winter months.

Stagecoach apologised to customers using the 585 service and put the issue down to 'technical problems'.

For more information, visit https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/west-scotland/may-19_ayrshire-arran-and-glasgow-fare-revision