Greater Anglia launches 'hop on, hop off' ticket on Essex branches

Greater Anglia has formally launched its new ‘Ranger’ tickets on two Essex branch lines.

The Manningtree and Ipswich to Harwich, and Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze branches, branded as the ‘Mayflower’ and ‘Sunshine Coast’ lines respectively, have been chosen by the operator in partnership with the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

The ticket allows for unlimited off-peak travel for one day, giving passengers the option to hop on and off.

Greater Anglia has said it expects the tickets to attract tourists and locals looking to save on costs, with adult, child and family options available.

The Mayflower Line Ranger costs £11 for an adult, £5.50 for a child and £22 for a family ticket.

The Sunshine Coast Line Ranger costs £12.50 for an adult, £6.25 for a child and £25 for a family ticket.

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said the tickets offered “a new, more flexible way to travel by train”.

“If they prove successful, this is something we could consider for other branch lines in Essex in the future,” he added.