FARES on Stagecoach buses in Fife will increase from next month, it has been confirmed.

Prices on Stagecoach East Scotland services will rise by 15 per cent as of April 2 due to climbing operating costs.

Managing director Douglas Robertson says the move will allow the company to continue investing in new buses and other customer improvements.

It comes as emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government is withdrawn from March 31.

Mr Robertson said: "With operating costs continuing to rise, we will be making changes to our fares from 2nd April to prioritise investment in our people, our fleet, and our customers.

"We understand the cost-of-living pressures our customers face, and we realise that fare increases are not welcome.

"However, we strongly believe our fares still represent good value for money."

Stagecoach says it has recently encountered several challenges including the global Covid-19 pandemic and industry-wide recruitment shortages.

The cost-of-living crisis has also made an impact, as well as significant increases to its three largest costs – wages, fuel, and engineering parts.

A spokesperson said: "Priorities and focus remains on securing and rebuilding networks where possible and taking positive steps toward achieving its vision for decarbonisation.

"All of this is vital to support the country's green recovery and meet net-zero ambitions, while supporting the policies set out by the Scottish Government and Local Authority Stakeholders.

"With bus passenger numbers still needing to return to the pre-pandemic level, it is vital that as a commercial bus operator, Stagecoach make decisions that will future-proof the viability of its network for their customers and colleagues.

"The emergency funding provided by the Scottish Government to ensure a level of bus service for people to access local amenities, which would not otherwise have been commercially sustainable, has been reduced over the past 12 months and from March 31 2023 will be withdrawn altogether.

"As a result of this change, from Sunday, April 2, all fares will increase by an average of 15 per cent across all bus services operated by Stagecoach East Scotland."