BUS USERS in Purbeck claim a hike in fares has left them feeling more isolated than ever.

At the end of last month Wilts & Dorset introduced a zonal fare system, which in some cases resulted in the first price rise for 15 months.

But mum-of-four Mary Dwen, of Benlease Road, in Herston, claims people living in rural areas, including many who rely on public transport, have lost out.

The 46-year-old says a single to Worth Matravers, which is just four miles away, has increased from £2.30 to £2.90, while a return ticket to Poole, which is a 42-mile round trip, costs £6.

"It's disgusting," she said. "I just want to know why it's gone up so much.

"It's a rural area so the buses aren't always full, but this just makes it even harder to get around."

A spokesman from Wilts & Dorset explained that with the new system the price within the two zones, Bournemouth and Poole, including Wimborne and Christchurch, and Salisbury, will either be a fixed single or return ticket zone rate or a short hop single or return rate.

But he added that journeys that take passengers outside the zones would continue to be priced according to the distance travelled.

"In general the new fare structure has been well received," he said.

"It has been the first change to our fares for 15 months.

"Some fares have gone up, but others have been reduced, while a number of prices have remained the same.

"Everyone will pay an equal sum to travel within the zones and will be able to take advantage of cost savings in many cases, although we have priced the new fares to include an increase to cover the ever increasing cost of fuel, insurance and pay rates."