Essex

Fare Revisions Across Essex This Easter

First East England announces today it will be making changes to some commercial bus fares in Essex.

From Friday 10 April revised prices on a range of tickets come into effect - although many remain untouched.

The majority of adult single and return fares in towns across the county will be frozen at current levels, with adult single fares available from just 50 pence and return fares from 80 pence " depending on area of travel. Certain single fares will increase by 10 pence, and some return fares will increase by between 10 and 20 pence.

Day, week, month, 3-months and annual season tickets, which offer unlimited travel, will all increase in price, but will continue to provide customers with excellent value for money and a significant reduction on standard ‘walk-on fares. For example, an All-Essex annual ticket will provide unlimited travel all year for just £2.47 per day, or £1.53 per day for an annual season ticket in Chelmsford.

Alan Pilbeam, Managing Director of First East England said: "While rising costs have meant that we have had to revise some of our fares, we remain committed to providing continually improving high-quality bus services across Essex and continued investment in our services allows us to develop more routes, introduce new vehicles and enable more older and disabled people to access important services.

"In fact, since last July, several areas have benefited from bigger, newer buses - many with low floor access, and increased services.

"We want people to travel by bus, so having to increase fares is not a decision I take lightly. We appreciate nobody likes it when prices go up but we have worked hard to keep any increases to a minimum.

"And for regular travellers, our day and weekly tickets continue to offer good value for money, particularly for those people who use them to travel to and from work, and then use the bus to go out in the evenings or at weekends.

"The fare revisions, coupled with other management actions that focus on efficiency, aim to secure the future stability, sustainability and development of our comprehensive bus network in the interests of passengers.'

For more detailed information on specific fare changes in their area, passengers should contact customer services on 0845 678 2977 or click here.