Transport bosses are planning an inflation-busting rise in online bus fares.

Brighton and Hove Bus Company is aiming to increase one day online Saver tickers from £3.20 to £3.50, a rise of 9%. It also intends to increase the £15 seven day ticket to £17.50, up 16%.

The new charges are due to come into force on September 16.

However bosses say there will be plenty of options and offers available to give people a chance to get tickets at reduced prices.

No changes are planned for the price of tickets bought from drivers or in shops. These rose by up to 25% in April. 

Managing director Roger French said: “We will be continuing to promote cheaper prices with special discounts for online purchasers which has proved to be hugely popular with passengers over the last few years.

“We would encourage customers to sign up online for more bargains in the coming months.

“Online prices will vary as these promotions run and will be promoted in our monthly e-newsletters.”

It has been a year since the company last increased its ticket prices online.

The news is likely to concern passengers already facing a sharp hike in rail fares next year.

People travelling from Brighton to London could have to pay nearly £5,000 a year for a season ticket when the changes come into force in January.

The Government is allowing train firms to raise regulated fares by 3% more than RPI inflation from January, based on July's inflation figure, which is 3.2%. This means a possible rise of 6.2%.

Last month Brighton and Hove was named as the second least car-dependent city in the country.

The Campaign for Better Transport assessed each city across four categories: accessibility and planning, cycling and walking as alternatives, bus and train quality and uptake, and driving and car use.

The city's public transport was ranked as the best in the country with the report commending a 7% increase in station satisfaction and the introduction of bus smartcards.