AN angry bus-user is launching a petition to protest at forthcoming increases in fares in Worcester.

For the second time in eight months, Valerie Cleaver is urging people to put pen to paper to voice opposition to fare rises.

But First Midland Red has blamed rising fuel costs for the increase.

In addition, a delay in implementing the Worcester Quality Bus Partnership - measures to give buses faster and quicker access via bus lanes - has also been cited for the price rises.

The rises could be an average of 5p per single journey, which currently costs around £1.30.

Mrs Cleaver, of Warndon, gained 500 signatures for her first petition and hopes for the same support second time round.

"It's bad enough the prices are going up but we haven't even got a decent service," said Mrs Cleaver.

"The drivers' attitude is poor with some not even stopping when you are waiting at stops.

"They are frequently rude and are often late or don't stop, which isn't on when you're working and need to be at work on time.

"I don't blame the drivers because they earn a pittance, but if they are putting up prices then the service should be better."

Austin Birks from First Midland Red said the company had invested £3.5m in 64 new Mercedes Benz mini-buses in 1998, but failure to implement the services had led to a fall in passenger numbers and placed further burdens on their resources.

He added that fare increases were "regrettable" but said net fuel costs had risen by six per cent, double the rate of inflation.

"Unfortunately, bus fares have sadly had to increase because of escalating fuel costs," he said. "The company has absorbed this and additional costs in insurance premiums and the escalating effects of vandalism, and sadly options became limited.

"We have tried to do that for a long time but we have had to put them up."

First Midland Red fare increases come into effect from tomorrow.