Bus fares in Brighton and Hove will be frozen next month for the first time in years, thanks to rising passenger numbers.

A £1 flat fare system was introduced experimentally on Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company services a year ago and has proved such a success it will now remain in operation.

Managing director Roger French said: "It's the first time I can remember for many, many years that bus fares have not had to increase and it will mean passengers continuing to receive extra value for their journeys."

Passengers have welcomed the simplicity of the flat fare scheme, which has led to more people travelling by bus each month.

Mr French said: "We had our most successful autumn for many years, with about eight per cent more passengers travelling compared to 2000.

"This is a unique achievement for a bus operator of our size and it has enabled us to keep fare levels fixed for the year ahead with a view to continuing this positive trend of considerable growth.

"The flat fare introduction was a bold gamble which is now paying off in as more people are travelling with us."

Brighton and Hove has managed to hold fares down despite big increases in costs, including wage rises.

The £1 flat fare system, which also offers concessions for children and the elderly, has attracted a lot of interest from other bus operators.

It has the advantage of getting people on to buses more quickly and encourages people to use buses because they know what the fare will be.