BUS passengers are facing another rise in fares - the fifth in the past 12 months.

Fares were increased by bus company First from Sunday, with the majority going up by 10p.

The latest increase, the third in 2005, is being blamed on "continually and significantly escalating costs".

The rise has angered passengers. They say the increases are disgraceful, claiming price rises have not led to any improvement in the service.

Bus drivers have also condemned the latest price rise, saying that it is they who have to deal with angry customers.

First is the main operator of bus services in Bury and Greater Manchester.

The latest rises comes in the wake of a profit of £107 million on its national operations during the companys last financial year.

Over the past 12 months, the rise in fares varies from 12.5 per cent to nearly 30 per cent, depending on the journey involved.

A fare that was 70p in May, 2004, is now 80p. But from Monday, it will be 90p.

The £1.10, £1.40 and £1.70 fares are also being raised by 10p.

And for the first time in a year, the concessionary fare is going up - from 40p to 45p.

Ian Davies, First's managing director for services in Greater Manchester said: "I fully understand that customers don't like fares changing.

"However, it is a fact of life that the costs of running this business have been rapidly and steadily increasing - particularly insurance and employment costs.

"We have done everything we can to absorb the increases."

He said First had worked to "minimise the impact" on passengers.

Regular customers were choosing to buy unlimited travel tickets and the FirstDay, FirstWeek, and FirstMonth tickets would not be affected.

"These tickets continue to offer excellent value for money and a FirstWeek at £10 is still £1.50 cheaper than seven years ago.

"We are continuing to deliver the improved services that we promised our Greater Manchester customers, part of which is our investment of £34 million in 278 new buses, all equipped with multi-camera CCTV systems for added customer safety and security."

Liberal Democrat councillor for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, Jim Gilfillan, who represents for Bolton on the Greater Manchester Transport Executive, said: "It is disgraceful. They are only in it for the profit."

Bus user Michael Hitchon, aged 53, of Victoria Court, Moses Gate, labelled the increase a "disgrace".

One local bus driver told the Bolton Evening News: "I am as sick and tired as the public are of these rises. I and many of my colleagues are dreading this latest rise, because it is us, the drivers, and not the faceless managers, who get abuse."