Ben KendallBus operators in Norwich have joined forces to launch a new day ticket which can be used across all services.The ticket, launched yesterday, is aimed at making it easier for passengers to navigate their way around the city using the services of seven competing firms.Ben Kendall

Bus operators in Norwich have joined forces to launch a new day ticket which can be used across all services.

The ticket, launched yesterday, is aimed at making it easier for passengers to navigate their way around the city using the services of seven competing firms.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: 'The ticket is a result of partnership working between Norfolk County Council and the bus companies, and is a response to feedback from passengers about the cost of travel and the fact that tickets cannot be used on other operators' services.

'The ticket is bought from the driver of the first bus a passenger travels on and then just needs to be shown to the driver of any other bus. The ticket is transferable so one family member could make a journey to work and then pass it to another family member to go out in the evening.'

The ticket, called Fusion, will cost �5.50 adult and �3.50 for children aged 5-15. A family ticket for two adults and two children is also available at a cost of �14.

It is valid on bus services operated by Anglian, First, Konectbus, Norfolk Green, Norse, Sanders and Simonds. Passengers will be able to make as many journeys as they like on the day of purchase within an area of about 10 miles of Norwich, including Wymondham, Aylsham, Acle and Loddon.

Andrew Pursey, a director at Anglian Bus and Coach, said: 'It's something that's been a long time coming it's something passengers want and it will make their lives far easier.

'The legislation involved means it's been quite difficult to proceed but we've all got round a table and agreed a scheme that I think will be very popular."

A spokesman for First added: 'We are delighted by this new bus ticket. It will certainly offer great value and added convenience for bus travellers."

An example of the savings that can be made are a journey from Poringland to the UEA currently costs �2.70 return from Poringland to Norwich with Anglian and then �3.90 return with First from the city centre to UEA. The Fusion will reduce the cost of travel to �5.50 a saving of 14pc.