Bus service improvement plan brings cheaper bus fares to Norfolk

Regular bus users and people travelling in groups are set to benefit from cheaper bus fares from next month thanks to money that Norfolk County Council secured from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the County.

The new fares discount, which will start on 3 September will mean that group day tickets for up to five people, weekly tickets and monthly tickets on all services across Norfolk will be discounted by 25%*.

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "This is a huge saving for people and comes at a time when we are all trying to make our money stretch further. Depending on the operator this saving could be around £25-£30 on a monthly ticket. Offering the discount on group tickets also makes the bus more affordable to families and groups of friends looking for a greener way to travel on a day out across the county."

This is the third in a series of fares discounts recently announced, with cheaper tickets on all Norwich park & ride services from September and the King's Lynn Town Zone flat fare of £1.50 which starts next week.

Approximately £5.3 million of the funding received from the DfT has been allocated to fares promotions to make bus travel more affordable in Norfolk over the next three years.

Richard Holden, roads minister said: "People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Norfolk County Council with over £49 million to boost its bus services. Supporting the Council with lowering fares for group tickets is fantastic for local residents, who will now be able to get to work, attend medical appointments and visit loved ones for less and more easily."

*Some local exemptions may apply, see operators website for full details.