Travel fares at Ipswich Buses set to increase as commuters face shake-up

Bus fares in Ipswich are facing a shake-up later this month as climbing costs spur a rethink in prices.

Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed that the £2 bus fare cap will no longer be in place after the withdrawal of Government funding.

From April 20, a single fare will cost £2.30 for adults while the under-20s fare will jump to £1.70 from £1.40.

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said this would be no more than the fare was before the £2 scheme was introduced in January 2023.

In a bid to streamline the system, return tickets will be withdrawn and replaced with a reduced day ticket price of £4.40 (down from £4.50) for adults and £3 (down from £3.30) for those under 20.

Discounted travel will be available for regular customers, who will be allowed to continue to buy bulk and use buses at a reduced rate per journey, while the Ipswich Buses app will offer reduced prices for family tickets and the 10 journey scheme.

Dan Bassett, managing director at Ipswich Buses, said: “We understand the cost of living continues to be challenging for many people, and whilst we have had to make alterations to our fares, including increasing several prices, we have tried hard to maintain affordability and offer value for money for our customers.

“The removal of return tickets and adult transfer tickets, replacing them with discounted day tickets further simplify our fare structure, making ticketing easier to understand and buses easier to use.

“We will continue to offer ‘on the day’ bus fares which are the lowest and best value in the region and some of the lowest and best value fares in the country.”