Council set to keep subsidised bus routes until 2030

Why it matters: The routes provide vital links for people who need to get to work, healthcare appointments, shops, education and leisure facilities at times when commercial bus services would not otherwise run.

The details: The council currently spends £203,246 a year subsidising the services. Officers are recommending that, with one exception, contracts are awarded directly for a further three years at current rates, rather than going out to competitive tender.

• The subsidies would run from January 2027 to January 2030.
• The cost is met entirely from the surplus generated by on-street parking charges at Cromwell Square, meaning there is no impact on the council's general fund or council tax.
• Cheaper contracts, worth up to £29,999 a year, can be handed to an operator directly, skipping a full tendering process, under a legal exemption for lower-cost contracts.

The exception is Service 14, which runs between Gippeswyk Park and the railway station on Monday to Saturday daytimes. As it costs more than £29,999 a year to run, the council cannot renew it directly and must instead invite bus companies to compete for the contract.

By the numbers: Passenger data shows most services performing well, but Service 14 has seen costs rise sharply.

• Passenger numbers on Service 14 fell from 12,271 in 2024 to 10,009 in 2025.
• The subsidy per passenger on that route rose from £3.92 to £7.69 from 7 April 2025, after the previous operator chose not to extend its contract, forcing a costlier re-procurement.
• Service 14 has the highest proportion of concessionary passengers – people who are elderly or disabled – of any of the subsidised routes, at 67.8% in 2025.
• Subsidy per passenger on the other routes ranged from £1.43 to £5.15 in 2025, with some, such as the combined Sunday and bank holiday evening services, rising slightly, while others, including the Chantry (Robin Drive and Triangle estate) route, fell compared with 2024.

Executive will consider the recommendations at its meeting on Tuesday, 11 August, at 18:00.

What they're saying: Councillor Jane Riley, 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.

"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."

She 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 bottom line: Most of Ipswich's subsidised bus routes look set to carry on unchanged for three more years. Service 14, the one route that has become significantly more expensive to run, will instead be put out to tender as the council tries to secure a better deal for passengers.

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