Passengers could face increased bus fares following a shake-up in services.

Compass Travel has won a three-year contract to run services in Burgess Hill and takes over from Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

It has pledged to maintain the same number of services and improve some routes while initially keeping fares unchanged.

However, the Worthing company said fares could increase in the future.

It is recruiting seven drivers for the new service which comes into force on April 2.

Customers claim they have not been told about the changeover and are worried about timetable alterations.

They said signs should have been put up at bus stops telling them about the move, only two weeks away.

Compass, which runs services across Sussex, will be using 30-seat minibuses.

Managing director Chris Chatfield said the company will run services from Burgess Hill to Woodmancote, Bolney, Ansty, Henfield, and Hickstead.

He said: "We have won the contract to take over the network from April 2.

"There are just a few minor changes to routes but they will essentially be staying the same."

He said the firm plans to improve the service between Burgess Hill and Henfield by running five services a day.

He added: "We are recruiting drivers and doing a timetable brochure.

"Our aim is to improve services. We are keeping our fares unchanged but they may have to go up in due course."

Regular bus user Paul Chambers, 34, who lives in Burgess Hill, said: "None of us knew anything about this. I need to know what the new timetable will be."

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: "We went out to tender and Compass offered the best package. Services will stay roughly the same."

Compass is on 01903 233767.