A pioneering £1 flat fare trial on city buses is set to continue through the summer.

The Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company scheme is part way through a four-month trial which started in January.

Managing director Roger French said: "The initial three-month period of the simplified fare system has proved a success.

"We now have the confidence to extend the trial for a further six months, including the busy summer period."

The flat fare system saw the price of a short journey increase from 80p to £1, but fares for longer journeys were reduced from £1.30 and £1.50. Many people already paid £1 for their bus journey and experienced no change.

The company also introduced special offers in outlying areas where £1 included a return journey to the local shops and home again.

After initial feedback during the first few weeks, these areas were extended to cover about 30 different local journeys.

Many passengers have found the new system more efficient with less time taken at bus stops because fare collection is quicker.

Mr French said: "This has been most noticeable at the busy peak times and we have had many favourable comments.

"There is also evidence people are now making more longer journeys as they come to appreciate the extra value now on offer."

The company has been running a high-profile campaign to promote the simplicity of the system with large ads on buses and house-to-house leaflet distribution in January to be followed by more later this month.

Mr French said: "We are also promoting the other tickets we offer that give extra value to regular passengers.

"Most popular is the Saver ticket, which gives a maximum price per day of £2.60 with even cheaper deals for youngsters and pensioners as well as commuters who pay for travel in advance."

Surveys show only about 40 per cent of passengers are paying the £1 fare with others taking advantage of the other bargains on offer.