Bus chiefs were today accused of over-charging on Bradford's innovative overground bus services.

Shocked passengers in part of Bierley say their fares from Currer Avenue to the Bradford Interchange in Bradford city centre have gone up from 90p to £1.10 because the route has changed and they travel a longer distance.

The increase comes despite an assurance from First Bradford that fares would not increase because of the pioneering service.

And drivers asked by fed-up passengers about the increase have been accused of being bad mannered and abusive.

The row comes amid deep controversy about the bus scheme modelled on the London underground - with bitter criticism from some passengers and praise from others.

The latest broadside has been fired by Bierley housewife Jean Crewdson, who has put in a strong official complaint to First Bradford about the 620 yellow line service.

She said: "It's just not on. They said that prices would not be put up, yet that is exactly what they have done, without any warning to passengers."

A company spokesman defended the fare changes by saying that the new route went through two different fare stages.

"The service continues to operate between Haworth Road and Bierley via Bradford, but operates the loop at Bierley via Burnham Avenue and Ferrand Avenue, instead of Bierley Lane.

"The route change has meant the 90p fare stage is now valid up to the junction of Burnham Avenue and Fairfax Avenue, where the fare was previously £1.10. However, as the service operates in the reverse direction, the fare between Currer Avenue and Bradford is £1.10.

"The fare charge for those travelling from Currer Avenue is a reflection of our route change and follows our standard incremental fare stage charging, which actually results in a decrease for those who live in Burnham Avenue. Overall it means there is no change."

But he pointed out that people could save costs by buying a day ticket for £1.50, which could cover both journeys

He said the comments about drivers were disappointing as they aimed to provide high quality services on all routes.

"Such examples of rudeness are not acceptable and should be reported to First Bradford for investigation."

But a bus driver, who did not want to be named, said crews were under stress because of the overground services where frequencies had increased without any extra back-up for the staff.

Mrs Crewdson, of Bierley Lane, Bierley said: "Despite there being fewer stops between Currer Avenue and the Interchange in the city centre prices appeared to have mysteriously risen from 90p to £1.10p."

But she added: "It is no good asking the drivers for an explanation or arguing with them about what is black and white on the timetable.

"In fact, I would go as far as saying the attitude of many drivers along this route is downright rude and abusive. I have not found any of them helpful in explaining why we have to pay more."

In a letter to First Bradford managing director Andy Campbell, Mrs Crewdson, 48, demands a full and swift explanation about the apparent sudden price rise and why the company employs people she claims have poor manners and abusive attitudes while dealing face to face with customers.

Ronnie Morrison, regional official of the Transport and General Workers' Union said he had not seen any increase in allegation of rudeness against the crews.