Swaffham bus stops go green thanks to bus service improvement plan

New bus shelters with real-time information screens, environmentally friendly grass roofing, and new cycle racks have been installed in Swaffham thanks to money secured from the Department for Transport (DfT) to help improve bus services across the county.

The advanced eco-bus shelters are replacing older bus stop shelters based in the town centre and are part of Norfolk County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan. The shelters feature LED lighting and real-time digital signage, informing travellers when buses will be arriving at the two popular town centre stops. The shelters are complemented with a green roofing design and are part of a new generation of modern bus shelters and will be one of the first shelters featuring these advanced digital and eco-designed features in Norfolk.

Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "We're using £9.8 million of the money we secured for our bus service improvement plan to improve bus stops and open travel hubs across the county. We're aiming to upgrade 20 stops across the county to our new gold standard which - with sheltered waiting areas and real-time information. This will support more people to travel sustainably across the county which is key to us achieving our ambitious net-zero targets."

The stops have been enhanced as part of the Swaffham High Street Heritage Action Zone, a partnership project with Historic England and Breckland Council to make improvements to the Swaffham Marketplace and surrounding area. In addition to the shelters the area will see the installation of three sculptural cycle stands and lighted bollards, situated by the approach to the historic Swaffham's churchyard just off the high street, helping to promote walking and cycling in Swaffham as sustainable forms of transport. In total, the project will receive investment of over £105,000 from the three partners.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland Council's executive member for economic development and growth, said: "The new eco-roofed, high-tech bus stops in Swaffham will not only encourage more people to use local transport but increase the amount of space for nature in the town centre. This will contribute to our commitments of promoting sustainable transport, cutting net carbon emissions, and supporting bees, insects and nature to flourish."

Tony Calladine, east regional director for Historic England, said: "These new bus stops will be a significant addition to the centre of Swaffham, encouraging visitors to plan their day out using public transport and to spend relaxed time in the town centre, so much improved thanks to the High Street Heritage Action Zone. The wellbeing benefits of the natural green canopies, combined with the new benches, trees and planters that have recently been added to Swaffham town centre, will create a calm and attractive place to stop and spend time enjoying the historic buildings around the market place."

More stops will be upgraded to the new 'gold standard' across the county over the coming months with the next due to be installed in Hunstanton.