Ipswich Buses announces scrapping of return tickets

Ipswich Buses has announced there will also be increases in some fares, with changes blamed on an increase in operational costs such as fuel and labour.

From Sunday, April 20, for journeys across the bus network in the town zone, any single fare will be set at £2.30.

Ipswich Buses has announced changes to its fares across its Ipswich and Suffolk services (Image: Newsquest)This is no more expensive than what fares were set at before the introduction of the government's bus fare caps, which was was increased from £2 to £3 in January.

UPDATE: Ipswich Buses explains changes to fares 

The decision to scrap return tickets follows in the footsteps of fellow bus operator First, which made a similar move back in January.

Ipswich Buses has operated in the town since the 1950s but its roots can be traced back to 1903 (Image: Charlotte Bond)A statement from Ipswich Buses said: "Following the removal of government funding of the £2.00 national bus fare cap earlier this year and increases in operating costs such as labour costs and fuel, we need to alter our fares.

"Unfortunately, for some customers, this will mean the fares you pay will increase. We understand that, like us, our customers are also facing cost-of-living pressures, and we have done our absolute best to keep any increases we have made as low as possible.

"The fare revision will further simplify our fare structures and offset the sustained rise in operating costs whilst doing our best to maintain affordability and offering value for money."

The changes to the fare structure will come into effect on Sunday, April 20. (Image: Lucy Taylor)For services inside the town zone, the changes are as follows:

• Increase of single fare to £2.30

• Scrapping of return tickets and short-hop fare option.

• The Family Day Ticket will remain at £9.00 when purchased via the Ipswich Buses app and £10.00 if purchased on the bus.

• Pre-purchased period or multi-journey tickets continue to offer the best value for regular travellers and will also see revised prices.

For services outside the town area, the changes are as follows.

• Some single fares will alter, with the maximum price for a single fare set at the government-capped £3 fee.

• Return fares will be scrapped.

• The Family Day Ticket will be reduced to £15.00.

• Pre-purchased period or multi-journey tickets will also see revised prices.

• Does the changes to the buses affect you? Let us know via email at oliver.picton@newsquest.co.uk