A decision which will pave the way for an Oyster-style smartcard on Norwich's park-and-ride buses is set to be rubber-stamped today, leading to price hikes for some travellers.

But the axe is also soon to fall on free travel on park-and-ride buses currently enjoyed by staff who work at Norfolk County Council.

The government has given Norfolk County Council £2.6m to improve bus travel and one of the plans is for an electronic smartcard ticketing system for all six park-and-ride sites. Passengers would be encouraged to pay by smartcard, with an adult return ticket at peak times – currently £2.40 – being replaced with an unlimited travel day ticket costing £3, or £3.50 if paid in cash.

Peak fares would apply before 9.30am and between 4pm and 6pm, with the cost of a peak four-week ticket climbing from £41 to £57.50 – up 40pc – and an annual pass from £410 to £500, a rise of 22pc.

But council bosses say the price structure has been designed to offer a lower price to those who travel more regularly and fares will still be cheaper than taking a commercial bus or parking for a long period in the city centre.

The Norwich Highways Agency Joint Committee has already given the go-ahead for changes at the Norwich International airport park-and-ride site, but will today be asked to ratify new prices at the other five sites around Norwich – Thickthorn, Harford, Costessey, Sprowston and Postwick.

Meanwhile, a perk which county council staff have enjoyed is to be scrapped. At the moment staff can use park-and-ride for free to get to work as part of a Green Travel incentive to keep cars off the road and reduce pressure on parking at County Hall and nearby areas such as Trowse.

But, from October, that is to be withdrawn, as will a staff shuttle bus from Harford and the 100 bus which runs between the city centre and County Hall. Instead, from September staff will be able to use the Postwick/Sprowston service, which will stop at Bracondale. but they will now have to pay.