A part of the proposed devolution deal for Suffolk states that the council will look to make a singular ticketing system like the Oyster card. 

The proposed deal with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities suggests should it be accepted Suffolk would look to make a ticket system that would bring together all modes of public transport.

If accepted Suffolk would look to partner with Transport East, bus and rail operators, Great British Railways and the Department for Transport, for this system. 

Suffolk County Council’s leader Matthew Hicks said: “It is entirely possible to create a Suffolk-wide, Oystercard-style system that allows for tap-in, tap-out travel, smart fare capping and journey planning.

"Within the proposed deal, there is an opportunity to consider, and fund, ideas like this."

East Anglian Daily Times: Council leader Matthew Hicks says the proposed idea would be a tap-in, tap-out systemCouncil leader Matthew Hicks says the proposed idea would be a tap-in, tap-out system

East Anglian Daily Times: The proposal also includes possiblity of bus franchisingThe proposal also includes possiblity of bus franchising (Image: Archant)

Funding to devise this would come from £500,000 that is to be given to Suffolk over two years to finalise the Suffolk Transport Plan.

Following this multi-year transport funding would take this proposal further. 

Mr Hicks said that other devolved areas have had similar ticketing systems and that it should not be reserved for just urban areas.

Greater Manchester has used tap-in and tap-out systems for its trams and their seventh deal helped it bring railways to the same system. 

Inspired by Manchester, the Liverpool City Region also had its proposal on bus franchising and singular ticketing systems accepted by the government. 

East Anglian Daily Times: The deal also includes possible bus franchisingThe deal also includes possible bus franchising (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside, the tickets, the devolution deal for Suffolk also states that the country should consider franchising buses if that makes the system better for the general public. 

It states: "If Suffolk concludes that bus franchising is likely to deliver better outcomes, the Government will consider conferring franchising powers from the Transport Act 2000 where franchising will deliver better services than their enhanced partnership without needlessly delaying benefits to passengers."

No decision is final yet, as the outcome deal will be considered in July this year.

The deal is currently open to public consultation, and the council urges people to give their opinions. 

To respond to the consultation visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/devolution