Norfolk County Council awards new contracts for Norwich Park and Ride services

Following a competitive tender process which started in July, Norfolk County Council has this week awarded contracts to run the Norwich Park and Ride services for up to the next eight years, starting in early 2025.

Two operators have been successful, with First Bus having been awarded the contract to run services from the Airport and Thickthorn sites, and Central Connect (operating as Simonds) providing services from Harford and Postwick. All four sites will see earlier and later journeys and a service on a Sunday.

As part of their bid First Bus has committed to running zero-emission buses from the Thickthorn and Airport sites, which brings even more electric vehicles into the city bus network.

The Sprowston site will continue to be part of the overall park and ride offer but offering a slightly different service as it will be opened up to local bus services to use as a transport hub on local routes. First Bus, who already operate a commercial bus service very close to the site, has confirmed that they will include the site within their pink line service at the same time as the other new services start. This will mean higher frequency, earlier and later journeys, a Sunday service, and new links including to the hospital.

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said; "The Park and Ride service is a really important part of our transport strategy for Norwich, but during these times of increased financial pressures within local government we have to be careful with every penny we spend. That's why we made it our ambition to find a solution so that this service can be run without any subsidy. Operators have impressed us with their creativity for the services going forward and I'm certain that both First and Central Connect Transport Limited can create a service for residents that is sustainable for the future.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to highlight what an excellent job Konectbus has done over the last nine years of operating the service for Norwich, particularly during the difficult times of Covid19 and supporting us in getting passenger numbers back up as we recovered from the pandemic."

More details on each service will be provided in the coming months as the new operators finalise their plans.