SOME of the region's bus users are facing an increase in their fares.
Before April 1, Stockton's 18,000 Gold Card holders in Stockton could travel anywhere by bus within the boroughs of Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland for a 25p flat fee.
The fare, which was unchanged since 1998, has gone up to 30p. But a deal between Stockton Borough Council and the bus companies, means the increases are frozen until April 2005.
Councillor Bob Cook, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and development, said: "The agreement with the bus firms means there will not be any further increases for at least three years.
"This means there will have only been a 5p rise in seven years. That is excellent news."
The arrangements were subject to consultation between the council and the Elderly Citizens' Liaison Forum.
The Gold Card scheme will continue to operate throughout the three boroughs seven days a week
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