COMMUTERS in Rossendale are being urged to abandon buses and organise car shares after fares to Manchester were increased for the second time in 12 months.

Fares on Burnley and Pendle Transport's X43 service, which goes between Colne and Manchester, through Burnley and Rossendale, have been increased by 30per cent over the last two years.

Keith Heywood, who commutes from Crawshawbooth to Manchester, has now written to the company to complain and says he is one of many Rossendale bus rebels who are now snubbing the service and switching to car sharing with friends. He is now urging fellow commuters to follow suit.

Keith, who lives with his wife Cathy, 26, in Burnley Road, said when he moved to Crawshawbooth two years ago it cost £18 for a 12-journey ticket to Manchester on the X43, less than 12 months ago that was increased to £22, and last week that was bumped up again to £23.50.

The 34-year-old accountant, who has been commuting to Manchester from Rawtenstall and then from Crawshawbooth since he was 27, said: "I wrote to them after the first increase and was told it was because of increased insurance costs now, less than 12 months later, they have increased it again.

"I refuse to believe that the overheads of running this service have increased so much that it is necessary to add 30per cent to every passenger's fare.

"I have been speaking to other passengers and they also feel that at more than £100 a month the bus is no longer a cost-effective way to travel. Many of them have decided it would now be cheaper to drive and have started car sharing like me. I would urge other to do the same."

Duncan Allan, commercial director for Burnley and Pendle Travel, conceded that the price of some tickets have risen higher than inflation, but blames increases in fuel and insurance costs.

A company statement adds: "Mr Allan is most disappointed to hear that Mr Heywood no longer intends to use the X43 service, and points out that should Mr Heywood consider purchasing a monthly Goldcard at £55, he would obtain unlimited travel on all B&P services, and those of Lancashire United, for four weeks."

Goldcards are not available for purchase on the bus, but can be purchased at the Information Centres in Burnley or Rawtenstall, or at the GMPTE Travelshop at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City Centre.

Matt Gordon, East Lancashire spokesman for sustainable transport group Transport 2000, said: "Car shares can have a useful role to play. But I don't see it as a substitute for a decent bus service."