First said it acknowledges its fares "have often been a matter of public concern" and it will be inviting participation from bus passengers, the public, local MPs, councillors, and the mayor as part of a public consultation.
MPs from other rural constituencies highlighted the impact of funding cuts on their bus services, however Hexham MP Guy Opperman said that part of the problem was a lack of co-ordination between different counties and different bus companies.
MPs highlighted that more than 70% of local authorities have moved rapidly to reduce funding for supported bus services, forcing operators to push up fares or withdraw services.