Bus passenger figures continue to rise across Norfolk
The latest figures from bus operators across Norfolk show that the number of passengers has increased by 12% during the first quarter of this financial year.
There were more than 6.9million journeys taken by bus during April, May and June 2024 compared to 6.1 million for the same period in 2023.
This follows the figures released in April which confirmed an annual rise of 16% for April 2023 to March 2024.
It is now two years since Norfolk County Council received £49.55million of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services across the county and increase the number of journeys made by bus.
Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "I’m so proud of what we have achieved here in Norfolk and how much we have delivered as part of our bus service improvement plan.
“These figures show what can be achieved when we invest in the right infrastructure and services, and prioritise the improvements that residents have asked for.
“From cheaper fares, to more frequent and more evening and weekend services it all makes the bus a real option for more people, more often.”
These figures have come just as the county council and the Enhanced Partnership published an updated version of the Bus Service Improvement Plan for the county.
The update outlines what has been achieved since the plan was first published in 2021, what more is planned over the next year, and what the authorities would like to do beyond 2025 should more funding become available.
Some of the highlights of bus service improvements delivered over the last two years include:
- Bus stop upgrades meaning 84% across the county are now fully DDA compliant
- Nine stops across the county are now ‘Gold Stop’ standard, with 22 to be completed by 2025
- Almost every bus stop with suitable infrastructure in Norfolk now has a QR board linking to both scheduled and real-time information. Since installs began these have been used more than 180,000 times
- Improved journey times for passengers thanks to infrastructure changes delivered using both BSIP funding and other funding streams
- More than 40 services have been enhanced with increased frequencies, evening and weekend services, and some brand-new services starting
- Reduced fares in some locations by implementing a £1.50 single journey fare cap in Lynn and a 25% discount on weekly, monthly and group tickets.
Simon Lightwood, local transport minister, said: “Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see the number of bus passengers in Norfolk growing, as more and more people choose the bus to get around.
“Our Better Buses Bill will help Norfolk continue transforming its local bus network by empowering local leaders to give local passengers the modern, clean and efficient bus services they can truly rely on.”
