Norfolk and Suffolk to share £25 million to repair ‘broken’ bus system
Norfolk and Suffolk are set to benefit from nearly £25 million of government funding to help boost bus services across the East of England.
Former transport secretary Louise Haigh confirmed that the funds, which will see Norfolk County Council given £15.9 million for its services and Suffolk handed £8.7 million, will help to support buses into 2026.
On top of this, £712 million of funding is being given to local authorities and a further £243 million is going to bus operators, to help keep fares low.
The former transport secretary said: “Buses are the lifeblood of communities, but the system is broken. Too often, passengers are left waiting hours for buses that don’t turn up – and some have been cut off altogether.
“For far too long, the East of England has been suffering from unreliable services. That is why we are reforming funding to deliver better buses and end the postcode lottery of bus services.
“And it is why we are providing more than £1 billion of funding to keep fares down, protect local routes and deliver more reliable services.
“This is part of our wider plan to put passengers first and give every community the power to take back control of their bus services through franchising or public ownership.
“By delivering better buses, we will ensure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities, powering economic growth in every corner of the country.”
The investment has been designated to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use for shopping, socialising and commuting.
The Government also said the move supports its ambitions to reform the NHS, by ensuring services between towns and hospitals can continue to transport patients to vital appointments.
The Buses Bill, which will be introduced in this parliamentary session, will give local leaders across England greater control to deliver bus services in a way that suits the needs of their communities.
The various authorities will be empowered to deliver modern and integrated bus networks that put passengers at the heart of local decision making.
