Bus passengers can save money travelling around the county after the introduction of a £2 cap on fares for dozens of routes.

The three-month “get around for £2” campaign, announced last month, has reduced single fares by more than 80% on some journeys

Nine bus operators in Norfolk are taking part in the scheme which runs until March 31, including First Bus, Konectbus and Sanders Coaches.

Eastern Daily Press: The cap has reduced the cost of travelling on routes across Norfolk until the end of MarchThe cap has reduced the cost of travelling on routes across Norfolk until the end of March (Image: Flickr/Jos)

The temporary cap on fares, backed by £60m of taxpayer money, is aimed at helping passengers with the cost of travel amid the cost of living crisis.

Campaigners have welcomed the scheme but warned longer-term subsidies are needed to protect routes as operators’ staffing and fuel bills surge.

The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) has highlighted how funding pressures have led to more than a quarter of English bus services being axed in a decade.

Responding to the introduction of the cap, CBT director of external affairs and former Lib Dem transport minister Norman Baker said: “Affordable bus travel really is a win-win.

“Capping bus fares in this way will help struggling households, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and inject new life into dwindling bus services.

“We think the £2 cap should be extended indefinitely.”

First buses said the scheme was now operating on services in Norfolk and Suffolk with passengers also able to buy a 10-trip ticket on the First Bus app for £20 for any 10 single journeys over the next 28 days from purchase.

Piers Marlow, managing director at First East of England, said it was the first of a kind and the company would be monitoring how popular it proves.

He urged passengers to be patient in the first few days, especially as people return after the bank holiday, as they may need to deploy additional vehicles to cope with demand.

Eastern Daily Press: Konectbus is one of nine operators taking part in the scheme in NorfolkKonectbus is one of nine operators taking part in the scheme in Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

Konectbus said the scheme allows people to travel from Dereham, Watton, Hingham, Wymondham, Stalham, Wroxham and into Norwich for £2.

However, 14 of its routes, including the 501 and 502 Norwich park and ride, are exempt.

Other local operators taking part include BorderBus, Our Bus, Simonds, Stagecoach and Semmence.

Lynx and WNCT Ltd, which operate in west Norfolk, and Vectare, which run buses in Swaffham, have decided not to take part as fares are already cheaper than £2.