Paying for a journey by public transport is now easier than ever! With a number of season tickets available in the area, contactless payments accepted on most services and even the option of purchasing and storing tickets on your smart phone you’ll find it super easy to find a payment method that suits you!
If you are a regular public transport user, make sure that you have spent some time exploring ways you could save some money. Paying on the day may be a quick and flexible option, but you could make some serious savings by buying a monthly or annual pass, or by booking your travel in advance.
Central Connect Ticketing
The most frequent local bus service is operated by Central Connect, who offer a range of ticketing options aimed at making your journeys as cheap as possible. They also use a ticket app called myTrip, making it easy to purchase and store tickets on the go!
For further details on Central Connect tickets, including how to purchase and use them through the app, visit the website using the link below.
Essex Saver Tickets
If your journey includes travel on buses from multiple operators in the Essex region, then an Essex Saver ticket might be a great option. It’s a ticket that’s available for travel on buses across the entire region, it’s accepted at any time of day on the day of issue for all registered local bus services. The ticket is also valid for travel into neighbouring counties provided the journey starts or ends within Essex.
The tickets can be bought on the bus or through the myTrip app, you can find out further information by following the link below.
Intalink Explorer Tickets
The Intalink Explorer ticket is similar to the Essex Saver ticket above, but for journeys by bus in Hertfordshire, and to certain points beyond the regional boundary. You can buy tickets for a period of one day or one week. If you’re regularly travelling by bus across the county border, this ticket may be a good option for you.
You can find out more on the Intalink website, by following the link below.
Train Tickets
Finding good value train tickets is easier than ever, with a number of great online tools available! Elsenham station has ticket machines and a ticket office open 6am–1.30pm Monday–Saturday, making purchasing train tickets in person really simple. Alternatively, the Trainline app gives you ability to purchase digital tickets to store on your smartphone, as well as giving you live journey information.
Booking train travel in advance can offer cheaper fares. Advance tickets are limited and subject to availability. Booking windows depend on the operator and confirmation of timetables, so check current availability for your journey.
Season Tickets
If you’re making the same train journey three days per week or more, perhaps on your journey to work, then getting a regular season ticket could save you a considerable amount of money! Most season tickets of 7-days or longer can only be used by a specific person and will require a Photocard to validate them.
If you’re travelling between 2-3 days per week and need a little extra flexibility, new Flexi Season Tickets allow you to travel 8 days in 28 between specified stations, working out at an average of two days of travel per week. The Flexi Season ticket will offer a minimum of 20% discount on an equivalent Monthly Season ticket, so definitely worth looking into if you know you’re going to be splitting your time between home and the office.
Use National Rail’s handy tool to calculate the cost of different season tickets by following the link below.
If you regularly travel by train, check whether you’re eligible for a Railcard. Most Railcards offer 1/3 off eligible fares, subject to the individual card’s restrictions and minimum fares. The 16–17 Saver offers a different discount of 50% on eligible fares.
There are a number of different concessions for seniors wishing to travel locally and nationally in England, across all types of public transport. For more information about eligibility and the concessions available check out Age UK’s guide by following the link below.