BUS fares on 75 south Essex routes will be increased by five per cent as part of Essex County Council plans, and a further two reviews are proposed for April 2017 and 2018.

County Hall insists the proposals will come in to allow “non-commercial” services to be protected through a five per cent bus fare rise next month after a public consultation.

For instance, a £2 fare will increase to £2.10 in September 2016, £2.20 in 2017 and £2.30 in 2018.

The price hike will affect ten Chelmsford services.

The council held a public consultation in June as it attempts to bring fares more in line with commercial operators’.

The increase will come into effect from September 5, to affect bus services operated under contract to Essex County Council.

These will only apply to adult and child single and return tickets, the Day Villager and 10/20 Journey multi-journey tickets.

It will not affect those using their concessionary bus pass to travel.

From April 1, 2019 onwards, prices will then increase in line with the Retail Price Index, which is set by the government.

The services affected are:

  • 32 – Stephensons of Essex, Chelmsford-Ongar, Monday to Saturday
  • 45 – Regal, Chelmsford- Oxney Green, Monday to Friday evening
  • 46 – Nibs Buses, Chelmsford-Ongar (Services 46A-46-F not affected), Monday to Friday
  • 52 – Regal, Galleywood- Pleshey, Monday to Friday
  • 344 – Regal, Chelmsford- Black Notley, Friday
  • 352 – First Essex, Chelmsford-Halstead, Sunday
  • 11A – Regal, Chelmsford- Southend, Sunday
  • 31A – Regal, Chelmsford- Little Baddow, Monday to Saturday
  • 45A – First Essex, Oxney Green-Chelmer Village, Sunday
  • 71C – Regal Only, Chelmsford-Colchester, Sunday and Public Holidays