Bus passenger numbers in county rise by 10%

Steve Hewitt said new bus services had been introduced, including in North Walsham

The number of people using buses in Norfolk has increased by 9.7%, the county council has revealed.

Figures collated from local bus operators showed there were 2.5 million more passengers in 2024 than in the previous year.

Steve Hewitt, from the East Norfolk Transport Users Association, put the success down to the government's fare cap and local investment into infrastructure.

"The buses are doing so well from the cap, when you can go from Great Yarmouth to Norwich for £3... it's a really good offer," he said.

Fares for single journeys were capped at £2 in January 2023 but rose to £3 this year.

Mr Hewitt said the excel bus service, which runs between Norwich and Peterborough, was "really, really busy".

New infrastructure, including changes to the Marketgates bus station in Great Yarmouth, had also contributed to the increase in passengers - he added.

"The council has spent money introducing new services in Yarmouth, Cromer, North Walsham, Sheringham... that's all helped a lot," he said.

Diane Quadling was waiting for the bus in Dereham town centre

Diane Quadling, 78, from Shipdham, was waiting for a bus to take her from Dereham to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

She said she should take public transport more often, adding: "It takes you right there... it's definitely easier [than driving]."

Luke Champeny felt there had been a drop in passenger numbers since the bus fare cap increased to £3

Luke Champeny uses the bus to get to Lowestoft in Suffolk most days, and says he has noticed a drop in passenger numbers since the fare cap increased.

The 29-year-old wants to see buses that are more environmentally friendly, producing fewer carbon emissions, and a more reliable service.

Trevor and Julie Turner use the local bus service whenever they visit Norfolk

Trevor Turner, 66, and his wife Julie, 57, live in Cheshire but use Norfolk's bus services when they visit.

"It's absolutely brilliant," Mr Turner said.

"We've used it a few times now - we've been to Norwich four times over the past few years."

The price point is something that encouraged the couple to take the bus.

"Where are you going to get parking for that price?" Ms Turner said.