New enhanced Norwich Park & Ride services set to launch

Norfolk County Council selected two operators to run the services following the re-tendering process at the end of last year. The process was carried out with the objective of running the services from all five sites with no subsidy from the council.

From Sunday 30 March, First Bus will operate services from Airport, Thickthorn and Sprowston while Simonds will provide the service for Harford and Postwick.

The new service will offer:

• Earlier journeys in the morning
• Later journeys into the evening
• Increased frequency at most sites
• Sunday services at all sites
• Airport, Thickthorn and Sprowston services will have zero emission buses
• Continued low fares thanks to BSIP funding

Cllr Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport said; "The Norwich Park & Ride service is an important part of our transport plan for Norfolk and it gives people a great value and greener option for getting into Norwich. During these difficult financial times we made it our ambition to find a solution so that this service could be run without any subsidy, and we've not only achieved that, but we're also giving people what they asked for from the service which is earlier and later buses and Sunday services."

As part of the launch of the new services, operators will be outside the Forum in Norwich on Saturday 22 March from 10am with information and some of the new buses.

And then on the first day of service - Sunday 30 March - residents will be able to enjoy free travel from all sites, excluding Costessey as this is not a new service.

James McCluskey, Commercial Director of First Bus East of England, said: "We're excited to launch the enhanced Norwich Park & Ride service, providing customers with more frequent journeys, extended operating hours, and a fleet of zero-emission buses from Airport, Thickthorn, and Sprowston. These improvements make it even easier for people to choose a greener, more convenient way to travel into the city.

"We look forward to welcoming customers on board and celebrating the first day with free travel for all on Sunday 30 March."

Peter Nathanail, Managing Director for Simonds said; "Our new Park & Ride bus routes are great news for visitors to Norwich and local residents. Customers connecting onto trains to London and Cambridge can park for free at Postwick P&R and get our PR3, which stops right next to the train station in both directions, and the increased frequency from Harford P&R provides extra capacity to meet growing demand. We're looking forward to working closely with Norfolk County Council to develop these services."

For full details of the services including timetables and ticket prices visit www.norwichparkandride.co.uk