Why Smartcards?
Smartcards were introduced in response to requests from
customers to be able to purchase tickets in bulk. They replaced our
previous ten journey ticket and allow up to 100 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. So simply
add some trips on payday or when you are feeling flush.
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?
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.
Further information
If you require further information, please call Customer
Services Direct on 0845 6 066
067.