Suffolk buses

County advice overview

There are a number of different bus companies operating throughout the county of Suffolk. If travelling with reduced mobility or a disability, it is recommended you plan your route ahead of time and contact the operator with any queries regarding mobility equipment.

First Bus provide services and information on bus routes across Suffolk and neighbouring counties. 

You can find details regarding accessible travel, check timetables and discover routes on the First Bus website. For any further assistance, contact the customer services department on 0345 646 0707.

Key tips

If you have reduced mobility, where possible plan your journey in advance so that you know:

• If bus stops are accessible
• Which mobility aids you will be travelling with. Contact the bus operator if you are unsure whether you can travel with your scooter/wheelchair

If you use a wheelchair, Suffolk County Council has produced a bus advice booklet that may help you.

You may also wish to consider:

• Where the nearest bus stop is and which bus number you need
• What method of payment is accepted – First Bus recommend using their App
• If the ticket can be bought online
• Which destination stop you require. (The bus driver should be happy to help.)

Operators

• First Bus and First Eastern Counties
• Ipswich Buses
• Stephensons

Help with cost

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

If you are entitled to a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, you can apply online or make an application by calling the Suffolk on Board information line: 0345 600 0659

Travel vouchers up to the value of £100 can be provided as an alternative to the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass where it is not possible for you to use the bus service due to disability. (Customers who have travel vouchers waive their right to a free bus pass.)

Find further details and apply here.

Older Person’s Bus Pass

Concessionary bus passes are available for older people who have reached state pension age and are resident in Suffolk. You can apply online or contact Suffolk on Board: 0345 600 0659

The Older Person’s Bus Pass entitles you to free travel on bus services throughout England from 9.30am to 11.00pm, Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays. 

Find further details and apply here.

Special assistance

First Buses have produced Extra Help to Travel Cards and Safe Journey Cards for people who have a disability to use on their buses. They are available from travel shops or you can download one using the links below:

• Extra Help to Travel Card
• Safe Journey Card

Accessible Community Transport Schemes in Suffolk 

There are a number of schemes to assist older adults and those with disabilities living in rural areas who cannot access bus routes in Suffolk: 

• Connecting communities
• Age Space

Travelling with mobility equipment

Wheelchairs and Scooters

Buses operated by First Bus are built for easy access with low floors. They have a dedicated area for wheelchair/scooter users.

When your low floor bus arrives at the bus stop, you can ask the driver to lower the step and/or ramp to allow you to board.

Wheelchair/scooter users have priority over everyone else for the use of the designated wheelchair space since this is the only place in which they can travel safely. 

If the bus is full or there is already a wheelchair/scooter user on board, it may not be possible to carry another wheelchair/scooter user.

Assistance Dogs

All recognised guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free on Suffolk buses.  

Routes and timetables

Local bus providers have journey planners and will be able to help you with information about your journey.

For instance, you can check online when your next First Bus is due at your chosen Suffolk bus stop: Journey planner | First Bus

If you are travelling outside the county, the national Next Buses website will help you search for bus timetables and your nearest bus stop. Simply put in your postcode to find your nearest stop and the next bus due. 

The Suffolk on Board website can help with advice about travel choices in your area that may result in saving you time and money. 

Alternatively contact the information line: 0345 600 0659

www.traveline.info is a partnership of transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups which have come together to bring you routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry and to provide it in as many different ways as possible.