Ipswich Buses extends service cuts due to driver shortage

Ipswich Buses has already reinstated the full service to route eight

A bus company has confirmed cuts to services will continue into the new year due to driver shortages.

Ipswich Buses had said four major routes would be reduced from 9 October for an eight-week period.

The temporary service on two of these routes has now been extended to run until 2 January 2024.

Managing director Dan Basset said the company was doing everything it could to resume normal timetables, including expanding the search for new drivers.

When the changes were initially announced, he said: "We do not have enough qualified drivers working in the company to provide the level of service that we advertise."

Route eight was fully reinstated on 3 December, route 13 is expected to resume on 17 December, while routes nine and 10 are expected to return in the new year.

Routes eight, nine, 10 and 13 have been affected by temporary reductions

The company broadened its search for drivers by advertising to those outside of the industry, including those currently without a licence to drive buses.

Mr Basset said: "We are pleased to see the improvements in our recruitment processes are improving our position, and to be reinstating journeys.

"We appreciate there are still some journeys suspended and we are doing everything we can to resume normal services as soon as possible."