Bus service improvement plan brings more buses to villages in West Norfolk

Residents living in villages in the west of the county are the latest to benefit from enhanced bus services thanks to money received from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the County.

From Monday 24 July, the 88/89 service which runs between Thetford and King's Lynn, and is operated by Coach Services Ltd, will run every two hours (previously only two off-peak buses per day). This enhancement offers later journeys for commuters with the last bus now departing King's Lynn at 17:40 (previously 16:40).

There are also six journeys on a Saturday which will now serve Mundford - a village which previously had no Saturday service.

In addition to the increased frequency, the 88 service will now operate through the villages of Wereham and the 89 service will operate through West Dereham. Both locations previously had no regular service, but residents can now benefit from a peak and off-peak service to King's Lynn (Monday to Friday) as well as an off-peak Saturday service.

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "More people using the bus is key to us achieving our net-zero ambitions for Norfolk, and that includes those living in rural locations. That's why securing this money from the DfT was so important - so that we can bring this vital service to those who need it. I'm thrilled to see this service enhancement which will benefit those who previously had no or very little service. Providing a later bus from King's Lynn - one of our key urban areas, means more people can choose to leave the car at home and commute to work on the bus."

Rob Crawford, financial director at Coach Services Ltd said: "We're thrilled to be able to bring this enhanced service to people in the west. People in this area have been asking for more buses - so to be able to deliver it and see more people able to get on the bus is fantastic. We hope the service will be well used and look forward to welcoming more people on board our buses."

This is one of a number of service enhancements which are being funded by the £49.55 million funding which Norfolk County Council was successful in securing from the Department for Transport (DfT) to use on improving bus services across the County over the next three years.

Approximately £12 million of the funding has been allocated to provide new or expanded bus routes and increase service frequencies on key routes, including more evening and weekend services.