The £1 flat fare on Brighton and Hove buses was a bold experiment that has worked well for more than two years.

It has made fares simpler for passengers, attracted more of them on to the buses and has meant passengers waiting less time at stops.

But inflation was bound to mean the bus company could not keep the fare pegged indefinitely and now passengers face a big rise at the end of this month to £1.20.

The rise has attracted inevitable opposition but it is better to have a sizeable rise and hope to hold it for a couple of years than to put fares up by a little bit each year.

Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company has also taken the sting out of the rise by offering reductions on all-day Saver tickets, which will mean cheaper fares for many passengers.

The rise will also be less for many old and young people who already get concessions on their fares.

Brighton and Hove City Council, which offers little in the way of subsidy for unprofitable routes, can help the bus company at this difficult time.

It must ensure that main bus routes such as North Street and Western Road are kept free of other traffic so that buses can offer a reliable service and attract more customers - helping to keep down the fares in future.