MHK criticises school bus fare "stealth tax"

Rob Callister says price hike wasn't included in budget

An MHK has criticised the Department of Infrastructure for introducing a price rise that wasn't included in the budget.

Onchan member Rob Callister raised the issue of the recent increase to school bus fares at this morning's sitting of the House of Keys.

Minister Ray Harmer insists fares are heavily subsidised by government and more children may now walk or cycle to school.

However, Mr Callister says this doesn't explain why the increase was so suddenly brought in earlier this month: