Earlier this year, FirstBus Eastern Counties announced that, from 17 June 2024, they would be introducing Revenue Protection Officers (RPOs). They were hired to ensure that FirstBus passengers follow the Conditions of Travel (CoT), specifically that passengers purchase the correct ticket or pass for their journey. 

The CoT places the responsibility of having a valid ticket on the passenger. They are expected to possess a physical copy of the correct ticket and any corresponding forms of ID that could be required. For example, students travelling with FirstBus’ UEA Annual Norwich Pass must show their campus card. Failure to do so could result in issuing a Standard Fare Charge (SFC). Additionally, if someone were to be issued a Young Person Ticket but over the age of 19, they could be charged £50. 

FirstBus has stressed that the SFC is the bus fare issued if someone is not travelling in accordance with the CoT. They claim that it is not a fine or a penalty fare. If this charge is not paid within 21 days, it is raised to £75. After another 14 days, it will rise to £100. A continued non-payment of the charge could lead to a County Court Judgement being registered against the person. 

Two local Labour MPs, Alice Macdonald (Norwich North) and Clive Lewis (Norwich South), recently met with FirstBus to address recent complaints concerning buses’ reliability, RPOs, paperless ticketing, and accessibility.  

Many reports have been made against the conduct of RPOs and the unfair issuance of SFCs, such as in cases where a ticket was purchased but the paper ticket was not kept. FirstBus has held that the officers are being regularly monitored and that there has been no evidence of inappropriate conduct. 

Furthermore, the now-former Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, recently announced an additional £1.2 million in revenue funding for Norfolk’s bus services. This money will be used to provide “additional services and improve the reliability and frequency of local buses.”, she claimed. 

FirstBus Eastern Counties has told Concrete that there are currently no plans to raise the Adult Single Ticket price to £3, as expected due to the government’s recent announcement to scrap the national £2 bus fare cap from the 1st of January, which has been in place for almost two years. They explained that any decision to change the price would be announced on their website approximately three weeks before any forecasted changes occur. 

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