FARES have been hiked up by Glasgow's biggest bus operator in an annual review of its prices.

Most passengers who choose to pay for their journey on a First bus with a single ticket now have to pay an extra 5p.

The firm today insisted the rise - introduced at the weekend - would be used to provide "better buses".

But the 5p rise is just the latest blow to passengers in recent months - and was immediately criticised.

There was a 25% rise in the flat-rate off-peak two journey fare - which rose from £2 to £2.50 at the start of this month. It was only introduced in March.

First also upped the cost of all-day tickets from £2.55 to £3 in June.

But Ronnie Park, deputy managing director of First, said the 5p increase was the first change to most fares for 12 months.

He justified the hike by promising investment in better buses next year and to "maintain services over as a wide a range of routes as possible". He added: "Most of our passengers will see a 5p increase on their fare but there are also some very good value deals."

Holders of FirstCard 10-week passes for all zones have seen a reduction from £103.50 to £92 while monthly passes have dropped from £41.50 to £38.

Late night revellers' fixed-rate fares have also been reduced, from £2.10 to £2. But the 5p price hike on single fares has been criticised by Sandra White, SNP MSP for Glasgow.

It will mean a journey from just outside the city centre from places like Scotstoun, Easterhouse or Newlands, goes up from £1.35 to £1.40.

Ms White said: "I remember the last time First introduced this hike and we were promised better services then. It hasn't happened and it always seems to be a case of, next year we will do better'."

A First spokeswoman said: "Passengers do still have the choice of a wide range of fares."