First Bus increasing Norfolk ticket prices from August 2023

Staying stagnant since January of last year, the price increase will come into effect on August 20, with a number of services seeing a 25pc or more cost rise.

An adult ticket in the Norwich Zone, which covers all Network services across the wider city area, will jump up to £6 from £5.30, and Inner Norwich Zone fares will rise to £5 from £4.

Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft zone fares will increase to £5 from £4.30.

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An East of England First Bus spokesman said: "Like all businesses, First Bus has had to absorb rising costs due to the extreme inflationary and economic environment.

"We have worked hard to shield our customers from the impact of this over the past 18 months, but these inflationary pressures have significantly inflated our cost base.

"Unfortunately, we have now reached a point where some of our fares will have to change in order to help protect the bus network going forward."

Bus services in Norwich will be affected by the fare hikes (Image: Newsquest)

But the service is keen to assure passengers that the changes won't affect any single or return tickets that are fixed at the £2 maximum single or £4 maximum return as a part of the government's Single Fares Cap scheme which was extended earlier this year until October 31.

"Our customers can still take advantage of the £2 fare cap to travel around our network, which for many has meant a reduction in their cost of travel," the spokesman added.

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"We are investing in a range of ways to meet the changing travel habits of modern customers.

"For example, we have recently fitted tap on, tap off technology to all our vehicles, which when rolled out and live for customers will ensure they always pay the best value fare for their journey."

Further changes to services and age-specific tickets can be explored via the First Bus website.