Chloe Smith
MP for Norwich North
 
Sep
15

Revolutionising Norfolk's Bus Services: £49.5 Million Boost and Sustainable Initiatives

Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 15 September 2023 10:31

With pride, I share the fantastic news of Norfolk County Council receiving a monumental £49.5 million in funding from the Government to enhance local bus services across our beloved Norfolk. As someone who first stepped into politics as a teenager to improve bus services, this development holds special significance for me.


Since my early days as a youth activist, championing better transportation has remained one of my core priorities as an MP, particularly regarding rejuvenating transport systems in Norwich.


This substantial investment complements the ongoing efforts of both the Government and the County Council to bolster bus services and promote environmentally friendly initiatives within Norwich. In the past year alone, the County Council has accomplished remarkable milestones:

Collaborating with First Eastern County's bus service providers to introduce 70 zero-emission buses, thanks to a combined funding of £14.7 million from Government, County, and private investments.

Supporting the establishment of 57 rapid charging stations at the Roundtree Way First Bus depot, a pioneering achievement that makes it the first fully electric bus depot outside of London.

Advocating for and successfully implementing late-night bus services across the city, including routes 5B, 8, and 11A, along with the introduction of the innovative 'Canary Konect' service, routes 11B and 6, connecting Carrow Road and The Nest, with stops at Norwich train station and the airport.

Pioneering the Government Bus Fare Cap scheme, significantly reducing fare costs to just £2 for local residents.

Planning to install publicly accessible EV charging points throughout Norwich's streets is a crucial step toward making our city more sustainable.

These investments, spearheaded by both the Government and County Council, have elevated bus service reliability and firmly placed Norwich at the forefront of green energy initiatives. As your MP, I remain steadfast in my commitment to improving transport services across Norwich, ensuring a more accessible and sustainable future for all.

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