THE Big Lemon Bus Company says it has been “instructed” to increase its prices by the council.

The company which operates across Brighton and Hove says adult singles have gone up 10p to £2.70 and day savers are now £5.20 – up 20p.

Child singles are now £1.35, up 5p, but short hop fares are now 10p cheaper at £1.90.

The increases come after Brighton and Hove Bus Company increased its fares earlier this week.

Brighton and Hove Buses said costs had gone up because of the “sizeable growth in traffic and congestion in the city centre”.

A Big Lemon spokesman said: “Due to fare increases, we are sorry to announce that we have to do the same as instructed by the council.”

Councillor Tom Druitt, who owns the bus company said: “Basically, all council-contracted services are required to charge the

same fares as Brighton and Hove Buses due to state aid rules.

“The council can’t use public funds to compete against the private sector.”

The Big Lemon company is based in Whitehawk

It has been serving the community with an eco friendly bus service since 2007.