Smartcard

Why Smartcards?

Smartcards were introduced in response to requests from customers to be able to purchase tickets in bulk. They speed boarding the bus, there is no need to worry about having the right change and they allow up to 100 journeys to be bought at any one time.

There is no time limit or expiry date on the journeys stored on the card. This means there is no need to worry about losing money paid out in advance if you are ill or take a day off. With Ipswich Park & Ride you get to use every trip you buy, rather than a monthly or other time-based pass where you may end up paying for trips you never make.

Where do I get a Smartcard?

The Smartcards are on sale from the help point within the terminal building. We will take a few details from you at the time of purchase - this will allow us to stop someone else using your card if it is lost or stolen.

How do I use the new Smartcard?

Simply swipe the card across the ticket machine located by the driver when entering the bus (both at the park and ride terminal and also when returning from town) and the journey will be deducted from your total. The ticket machine will also print a confirmation slip telling you how many journeys you have left on your card. Keep this as proof of use in the event of a ticket inspector boarding the vehicle or in case you lose the card.

How many journeys can I purchase at a time?

The maximum number of journeys we sell in one transaction is 100. All journeys on Ipswich Park & Ride made by Smartcard will save you at least 30p whatever site you use and are valid for up to five people as with all our tickets. The only other condition is that for administrative reasons, journeys must be purchased in blocks of ten.

When can I top up my card?

Extra journeys can be added to a Smartcard whenever you like, providing the maximum of 100 journeys is not exceeded.

Will you need any information from me?

For security purposes we will record your name and a contact number when you first purchase a Smartcard. This will not be used for any marketing or any other use, but simply to contact you in case of problems with your card.

What if I lose my card?

If you lose your card we will be able to stop anyone else from travelling with it by using the serial number records as mentioned above. It will however be up to you to tell us if a card has gone astray. We will then issue you with a replacement card - please keep your latest confirmation slip from the ticket machine to enable us to know how many journeys you have outstanding*.

*For security reasons we can only re-issue journeys if we are notified within 5 working days (i.e Confirmation slip presented must be no more than 5 days old).

What if I want to change Park and Ride site?

Currently Smartcards bought at London Road or Bury Road can be used at either of these two sites. Because the fares are different they can not be used at Martlesham. Likewise, Smartcards purchased at Martlesham can only be used there.