Decision due on using parking fees to subsidise buses

3 hours ago

Vikki IrwinSuffolk political reporter

News image — The money from parking charges at Cromwell Square will go towards keeping weekend, evening and bank holiday buses running on certain routes

Alice Cunningham/BBC An Ipswich Buses double-decker bus exits Ipswich bus station. The bus is white with the company name on its side in green. — The money from parking charges at Cromwell Square will go towards keeping weekend, evening and bank holiday buses running on certain routes

A council committee will decide whether subsidised off-peak bus travel will continue for another three years in a town.

The annual £203,246 cost of bus subsidies in Ipswich will be paid for by the Cromwell Square on-street parking reserve - if agreed by Ipswich Borough Council.

Jane Riley, the authority's portfolio holder for culture and customers, said: "These bus services provide an important lifeline for many people across Ipswich, particularly during evenings, Sundays and Bank Holidays when alternative transport options can be limited."

In total, the subsidy would allow the continuation of off-peak services for 14 bus routes in the town.

Alice Cunningham/BBC A general view of Ipswich bus station. Two buses are parked in part of the station. — The council have been subsidising the service but the contract ends in January 2027

Councillors will decide on Tuesday whether to agree to allocate the funds for a further three years after the contract to run the "socially necessary" services ends in January 2027.

The report to councillors said the bus services were "performing well overall, with subsidy per passenger generally representing good value for money".

It goes on to state: "The cost of operating these services is met entirely from the surplus generated from parking charges at the Cromwell Square on-street parking place, the use of which is limited in law to a small number of functions, principally parking, transport and environmental schemes."

Riley said: "They provide vital links to help residents access employment, healthcare, education, shopping and leisure opportunities, while also supporting sustainable travel and reducing reliance on the car."

More than 140,000 passengers have used the services over the last two years.

Due to the increased costs for one of the services being above procurement thresholds, that will be put out to tender.

Riley added: "Having carefully considered the performance of the current subsidised services, I am pleased that the majority continue to demonstrate strong passenger usage and represent good value for money.

"The continuation of these services in Ipswich will help ensure public transport remains available where it is most needed."

The statutory duty to consider which bus services are needed and which can be subsidised belongs to Suffolk County Council, but Ipswich Borough Council has the power to do the same but is not required to.