A NUMBER of non-commercial bus services are to be protected through a five per cent bus fare rise next month (September) following a public consultation.

The Council consulted on the proposed five per cent increase, rounded up to the nearest 10p, in June as it attempts to bring fares more in line with buses run by commercial operators.

The increase will come into effect from 5 September and will affect 75 non-commercial bus services operated under contract to Essex County Council.

Cllr Eddie Johnson, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Delivery, said: “We proposed these increases as a way of helping to ensure the future of a number of vital bus routes across the county.

“We need to bring our bus fares up to date and more in line with commercial operators.

“After years of freezing fares, it is vital we make this small increase otherwise there is a risk we could lose these bus services altogether.”

Increases 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 people who use their concessionary bus pass to travel.

A similar rise is scheduled for April 2017 and April 2018 to keep prices in line with commercial fares.

For more information on affected services please see the attached list.